SMiShing and other texting scams

SMiShing is phishing that uses texting to lead you to fake websites that imitate real companies. Fraudsters use this and other scams to get personal info.

DETAILED INFO

Defend yourself against texting scams

AT&T doesn’t send text or email requests to customers asking for personal account or credit card information. Use caution if you receive any text message requesting personal and/or credit card account information.

Here’s how to report texting scams:

Alert AT&T by forwarding the suspicious text to 7726 on your device. Messages forwarded to 7726 are free. They don't count toward your text plan. If you're not able to view the number, forward us the entire message to abuse@att.net.
You can forward a suspicious text message to the Anti-Phishing Working Group at reportphishing@apwg.org or report it to the FTC.
Go to Federal Trade Commission or IdentityTheft.gov to learn more.

Mobile security
The AT&T Mobile Security app for Android scans your mobile device and all apps for malware. It looks for Trojans, worms, spyware, and other suspicious software. Mobile Security scans on demand and when app installation occurs. If you select Monitor File Settings, Mobile Security also actively monitors your files. Learn how to get AT&T Mobile Security & Call Protect.

Common text scams

SMiShing
SMiShing is phishing that uses text messages to lead you to fake websites that imitate real companies. Then fraudsters try to get your personal information.

Be aware that company logos and electronic signatures can be forged easily, so the sender may be an imposter and not the real company or individual.
Do not fill out forms attached to emails or text messages. Go directly to the company's website and fill out information there. Internet scammers can create realistic forgeries of websites, so do not click on links in an unsolicited text message.
Ensure that a website is secure by checking to see whether there is an "s" after the http in the address and a lock icon at the bottom of the screen. Both are indicators that the site is secure.

Rewards scams
AT&T customers are targeted by scammers in hopes of gaining access to your myAT&T account so they can make changes, order equipment, or obtain personal information.

Here’s an example of a fraudulent message that claim to offer an AT&T reward: www.att620.com - Simply sign in to your account to redeem your $620. At AT&T we care about you. Thank you and have a nice day.

If you suspect a text message is fraudulent and is not from AT&T:

Don't open the text message or click on any links within it.
Don't provide your username or password.
Go to att.com and search for relevant keywords.

Spam text messages
Spam text messages are unsolicited and unwanted ads. These messages count against your text plan. Don't respond directly to a spam message. Doing so alerts the spammer that your number is genuine.