SMS-based scams have become increasingly common in the Philippines, which is a major security concern because text messaging and digital transactions are integral to daily life in the country. Among these scams, SMS spoofing or hijacking stands out as particularly sneaky, exploiting people's familiarity with texting to steal sensitive information.

As more people rely on their mobile phones for activities like banking and shopping, ensuring secure online credit card transactions is more important than ever. It helps to choose to transact only with reputable financial institutions with advanced security features and be wary of the SMS messages you receive. Understanding how SMS spoofing works is also vital to protecting your accounts and maintaining the safety of your digital interactions.

In this article, we’ll explore what this scam entails and practical steps to help you recognize and avoid falling victim to it.

How SMS Spoofing or Hijacking Work?

SMS spoofing or hijacking often begins with a scammer choosing a trusted entity to impersonate. Scammers forge the sender's ID to appear as though it’s coming from your bank, a government office, or a popular retailer to gain your trust. The message will often contain alarming language, such as “Your account has been compromised!” or “Immediate action required to avoid penalties.” The scammers aim to create a sense of urgency, which encourages you to click on a link that may lead to a fake website designed to capture your personal details or to respond with sensitive information like your PIN, account number, or password.

In some cases, scammers may intercept your messages by infecting your phone with malware. This allows them to read incoming text messages or even remotely control the device to access sensitive data.

How to Recognize SMS Spoofing or Hijacking

The Text Contains a Generic Greeting

One of the best ways to avoid falling victim to SMS spoofing or hijacking is by learning to recognize these scams. A key indicator of SMS spoofing is a generic greeting. If the message begins with something vague like "Dear Customer" instead of your name, it’s a red flag. Legitimate organizations or businesses typically use personalized communication, addressing you directly by your name or account number because they would have these details as part of their client records.

Messages That Require Immediate Action

Another common sign of SMS spoofing is urgent or alarming language. If a message demands immediate action, such as saying that your account will be frozen unless you respond immediately, then you should be suspicious. Scammers often rely on the urgency to override your good judgment and make you act hastily.

You Get a Notification You’ve Made Changes to Your Account

If you receive messages about changes to your account that you didn’t initiate, this may be a sign that your account has been targeted for SMS hijacking. This particular kind of message can indicate that a scammer is intercepting your messages.

The SMS Contains Suspicious Links

Last but most certainly not least, watch out for unfamiliar or suspicious links. If the message includes a URL that seems off or doesn’t match the official domain of a legitimate organization, avoid clicking on it. Even if the sender seems familiar, it’s better to err on the side of caution and not click links at all.

Tips to Avoid Becoming a Victim of SMS Spoofing or Hijacking

Verify if the Message Comes From a Legitimate Sender

To protect yourself from SMS spoofing and hijacking, it’s important to adopt a cautious and proactive approach. First, verify any unexpected messages. If you receive a suspicious message from a bank or government agency, don’t respond to it directly. Instead, use official contact numbers to reach out to the organization and verify the message’s legitimacy.

Avoid Clicking on Links

Another critical tip is to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited SMS messages. If the message appears to be from a bank, retailer, or another trusted entity, go directly to their actual website by typing the URL into your browser rather than following the link in the message. This is especially important when the message contains requests for sensitive information.

Don’t Always Share Your Phone Number

Additionally, secure your mobile number by limiting its exposure. Avoid sharing your phone number freely online or with unfamiliar people. Scammers often target public databases or websites where they can collect numbers for phishing campaigns or SMS hijacking attempts.

What to Do If You Suspect You’ve Been Targeted

If you believe you’ve been targeted by SMS spoofing or hijacking, take prompt action. Report the suspicious message to your telecom provider or the financial institution the scammer is impersonating. Next, block the sender and delete the message to prevent further communication.

It’s also important to monitor your accounts for any unauthorized transactions or changes. If you believe your banking or e-wallet account has been compromised, immediately freeze or lock your accounts to prevent further damage. Moreover, change passwords for all affected accounts and enable stronger and multiple security measures where possible.

SMS spoofing and hijacking are sophisticated scams that exploit the trust people place in text messages. Fortunately, understanding how these scams work and recognizing the warning signs can help protect you from becoming a victim. Remember, always be cautious when receiving unexpected or urgent messages, especially those that ask for personal information. Stay vigilant and take proactive steps to secure your mobile number and online accounts, and you’ll be better equipped to avoid all kinds of scams.