'Smishing' Text Scams Are On The Rise In Howell, Police Warn

HOWELL, NJ — "Smishing" scams - scams using a text for phishing - are being reported more commonly in the township, police in Howell say.

Police are seeing more victims in town who report text (or SMS) scams that target them on their cell phones.

The scam involves text messages from someone pretending to be from your bank or another company you do business with and are very common, police say. They are known as "smishing" (SMS phishing) scams, police say.

These scams aim to trick you into providing sensitive information or clicking on malicious links.

The best way to protect yourself?

Police say it's important to be cautious when receiving unsolicited emails or text messages, especially if they're asking for personal information or money.

Scammers often use fake or "spoofed" phone numbers and email addresses to make their messages look legitimate, so it's always a good idea to verify the information before taking any action.

For example, if you're unsure about the authenticity of a message, it's a good idea to independently look up the company's phone number or email address on their official website or through a trusted search engine.

From there, you can contact the company directly to ask if the message is legitimate or report any suspicious activity.

Some common smishing scams include:

• Account suspension or verification: Scammers send a text message claiming that your bank account has been suspended or requires verification. They might ask you to call a number or click a link and provide your account details or personal information.
• Fraudulent activity alert: You may receive a message warning of suspicious activity on your account and asking you to call a specific number or click a link to verify transactions. The message might be designed to create a sense of urgency, pressuring you to act quickly.
• Locked account: Scammers may send a text message claiming your account has been locked due to security reasons, and you need to click a link or call a number to unlock it. The link or phone call will ask for your account details and personal information.
• Phony customer service: Scammers may pose as bank customer service representatives, offering assistance with a recent issue or update to your account. They might ask you to confirm your account details or provide personal information.

You may also encounter similar fraudulent texts, claiming to be from Netflix, FedEx, Amazon, Microsoft, or other businesses, police say.