Did You Just Receive a Text from Yourself: SMS Phishing Scams

If you’ve ever received a text message that appears to come from your own phone number, you’ve likely encountered a smishing scam. Cybercriminals use VoIP technology and spoofing software to make these messages look legitimate.

The goal? To confuse you and trick you into clicking a malicious link that installs malware or steals personal information.

If you ever receive a suspicious text, especially one that looks like it’s from your own number—do not click any links or reply. Delete the message immediately. Many mobile carriers now allow you to report SMS phishing scams directly from your phone.

Common Smishing Scams You Should Know

Smishing is especially dangerous because many users don’t recognize the warning signs. Less than 35% of people are familiar with what smishing even is.

Cybercriminals obtain mobile numbers through data breaches, advertising lists, and the Dark Web—meaning no one is immune. Unlike email phishing, SMS messages don’t show a sender’s full details, and shortened URLs make it hard to verify a link’s destination.

Here are some of the most common smishing scams circulating today:

1. “Problem with Your Delivery”

This scam pretends to be from FedEx, USPS, or UPS, claiming there’s a delivery issue. The link often leads to a fake website asking for personal or payment information. Sometimes, scammers request a small “release fee” to steal your credit card details.

2. Fake Appointment or Service Scheduling

In one case, scammers sent fake texts posing as AT&T Fiber installers, asking residents to confirm their personal details or addresses. These scams often target customers after legitimate service announcements to appear credible.

3. “Claim Your Free Gift”

This smishing message thanks you for a recent payment and offers a “free gift” via a link. Victims assume it’s from a familiar company, but the link leads to a malicious phishing site that captures sensitive data.

How to Protect Your Business from Smishing

Smishing attacks can install malware, steal login credentials, or compromise sensitive business data in seconds. To defend your organization, ensure your mobile devices and employees are protected with:

• Mobile threat detection & antivirus tools
• DNS filtering and secure web gateways
• Cyber awareness training for staff
• Managed security monitoring

Secure Your Mobile Workforce with Norcotech

Don’t let smishing scams put your business at risk. Norcotech’s cybersecurity experts specialize in mobile device protection, phishing prevention, and threat response.

Contact Norcotech today to schedule a mobile security assessment and ensure your business is protected from the latest SMS phishing threats.