SMS scams are increasing and sometimes just a click on a wrong link to fall into a fraudulent scheme. The phenomenon, known as smoking (a combination of SMS with phishing) has gained strength in recent years, with messages that simulate communications of known entities, but whose goal is to steal data or install malicious software on mobile devices.
According to the complaint portal, more than half of the Portuguese consumers, about 51 percent, admitted to being the target of some form of digital burla in 2024. Within this group, 10 percent reported that it was deceived through SMS or messages by applications such as WhatsApp.
Three signs that denounce the deception
Most of these messages follow a similar pattern. According to the same portal, there are three signs that help you quickly identify if you are facing a fraud attempt. The first is the alarmist language, with expressions such as “last attempt”, “blocked access” or “answer now”. The second is analyzing the link included in the message: Strange domains, with unusual errors or endings, are one of the most used tricks. Finally, any data request such as PIN, access codes or bank card numbers should raise suspicion: No credible institution asks for this information.
How to react if you receive one of these messages
If you have questions about the authenticity of an SMS, it is best not to click on anything. Anacom’s recommendation is clear: whenever possible, access directly to the official website of the entity in question and check there. It is also possible to report the case through Anacom’s own platform or, in more severe situations, contact Banco de Portugal or the Judiciary Police.
Another important step is to immediately delete the message and block the sender number. If you have clicked by mistake, it is advisable to use an antivirus application to verify that the device has been compromised.
Increasingly sophisticated blows
Explains Sapo Tek that these schemes have become more complex, using social engineering techniques that explore moments of vulnerability or urgency. Many of the SMs arrive at night or weekend, precisely to make it difficult to check with the actual entities.
In addition to CTT, also names such as Social Security, national banks or delivering companies have been improperly used in these scabs. According to the number of complaints related to Smissioning doubled last year, demonstrating the growing scale of this type of crime.
It is more worth suspicious than mourn
With increasingly Portuguese carrying out banking operations and communications through the mobile phone, it is essential to be aware. Learning to recognize these fraud attempts can take ‘just three seconds’, but it saves weeks of complications.
Sharing this knowledge with family members, especially the older ones or less used to technology, is also a form of prevention. The golden rule remains: when in doubt, don’t click.
Also read:
