Cybercrime is rising, particularly with the surge in digital transactions, leaving more individuals vulnerable to online fraud. Among the various tactics cybercriminals employ, SMS spoofing is a prevalent method for deceit.
SMS spoofing fraud has become a significant concern in India, with a marked increase in cases over recent years. The rise of digital communication and the proliferation of mobile devices have made SMS spoofing an attractive method for fraudsters. In 2023, the Indian government blocked over 3.2 lakh SIM cards and 49,000 IMEIs to curb fraudulent activities, highlighting the scale of the problem.
Although SMS technology is relatively new, spoofing and smishing techniques have existed for some time. Remember when your friends played pranks by pretending your crush had sent you a love letter, only to discover it was your friends behind it all?
That scenario is a classic example of spoofing. Nowadays, people are being deceived through SMS spoofing instead of using paper notes. Text messaging is a casual and easy means of communication, so it’s particularly vulnerable to such attacks.
In this blog, we will delve into the complexities of SMS spoofing, how to prevent it, the different types of spoofing, and much more. Let’s start by understanding the basics of SMS spoofing.
What is SMS Spoofing?
SMS spoofing involves a hacker sending a text message from a fake or unknown number. The message might come from a familiar contact or a trusted company. If you respond to the message or open links, your phone could be infected with malware. Depending on how well your antivirus software works, this malware could steal sensitive information like your bank details.
How Does SMS Spoofing Happen?
SMS spoofing is when someone changes the sender’s information on a text message to make it appear as if it’s coming from someone else. This trick is often done with special apps and is commonly used by scammers.
The process typically begins with the scammer pretending to be a well-known brand or famous person to carry out their scheme. They might send harmful files through WhatsApp, text messages, or social media platforms. If you click on one of these files, it could install malware on your device. This malware allows the scammer to forward your SMS messages to a fake number they control.
Once they access your messages, the scammer might try to register for fraudulent services like UPI and take control of your accounts. Be wary because scammers might also use social engineering tactics to trick you into revealing sensitive information like your MPIN, enabling them to carry out unauthorized transactions.
What are the Common Types of SMS Spoofing?
Here are a few common types of SMS spoofing that you might encounter on your smartphone device
| Type of SMS Spoofing | Description | Example |
| Fake Sender ID | This method disguises the actual sender by using a trusted sender ID, often mimicking a known business or a contact from the victim’s list. It aims to deceive recipients into taking action, such as clicking on malicious links. | Like spam emails, these SMS messages flood inboxes with irrelevant or misleading content. They may contain misspellings and appear as promotional messages, hoping to entice recipients into clicking on links that could lead to scams or malware. |
| Unsolicited Bulk Messages | Scammers use personal information obtained through cybercrimes to harass victims, often threatening embarrassment or extortion. They may trick individuals into sending money under pretenses or manipulate them using fabricated emergencies involving friends or family. | Get a free iPhone by clicking this link |
| Harassment | Scammers use personal information obtained through cybercrimes to harass victims, often threatening embarrassment or extortion. They may trick individuals into sending money under false pretenses or manipulate them using fabricated emergencies involving friends or family. | We have evidence of your browsing history. Keep it private by clicking here. |
| Corporate Espionage | Scammers promise money transfers, appearing to be from reputable financial institutions. They deceive victims into providing bank account details under pretenses, such as fake refunds or cashback offers. The goal is to steal sensitive financial information for fraudulent purposes. | “Our system has been updated. Please click here to reset your password. |
| Fake Money Transfers | Scammers promise money transfers, appearing to be from reputable financial institutions. They deceive victims into providing bank account details under false pretenses such as fake refunds or cashback offers. The goal is to steal sensitive financial information for fraudulent purposes. | Your Amazon refund is ready. Click to transfer funds to your account. |
| Identity Theft | This method aims to obtain personal information such as medical records, account credentials, and Social Security numbers. Scammers utilize spoofed messages to trick victims into divulging sensitive data, which they can use for various forms of identity theft and financial fraud. | Your health insurance must be renewed. Click here to update your account. |
How to Prevent SMS Spoofing?
If you have ever received deceptive messages, safeguarding against SMS spoofing is essential to safeguard your privacy and finances. Here are practical steps to take:
- Steer Clear of Third-party APK Downloads: Avoid downloading APK files from sources other than official app stores to mitigate the risk of malware compromising your device security and personal data.
- Exercise Caution with SMS Links: When encountering suspicious text links, resist the urge to click. Instead, contact the legitimate company using verified contact information.
- Verify Sender Details: Scrutinize sender IDs and numbers for any subtle discrepancies or misspellings, as scammers often manipulate these details to deceive recipients.
- Don’t React to Urgent Requests: Stay vigilant against texts that pressure you to act urgently, especially if they demand significant financial transactions or sensitive information like OTPs or card details.
- Check for Encryption in Links: Before clicking any links in SMS messages, ensure they are encrypted (beginning with HTTPS) to avoid falling victim to phishing attempts.
- Keep Sensitive Information Confidential: Never disclose sensitive details such as OTPs, card information, or personal details.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive unsolicited calls or texts requesting personal information or money, immediately report and block the number. Verifying the authenticity of such communications can help prevent SMS spoofing scams.
In conclusion, SMS spoofing is a severe threat that can compromise your personal and financial information. By following these essential steps, you can protect yourself from SMS spoofing attacks and safeguard your digital identity.
FAQs
How can I tell if a text message is spoofed?
Look for signs such as unfamiliar sender numbers, unusual content, and requests for personal information. If in doubt, contact the sender through a known, secure channel to verify the message's authenticity.
Can SMS spoofing be used for legitimate purposes?
Yes, SMS spoofing can be used for legitimate purposes, such as sending anonymous messages to protect privacy or testing security measures. However, it is often abused for fraudulent activities.
Is SMS spoofing illegal?
In many jurisdictions, SMS spoofing is illegal when used for fraudulent purposes, such as phishing scams or identity theft. It is important to use SMS spoofing responsibly and within the bounds of the law.
I’m Archana R. Chettiar, an experienced content creator with
an affinity for writing on personal finance and other financial content. I
love to write on equity investing, retirement, managing money, and more.