You may have heard the phrase phishing, where scammers try to get personal information from you through electronic means such as email. (we first posted about phishing back in 2004)

Smishing is very similar, the method of delivery however is through your cell phone.  Spammers have started sending fraudulent cell phone text messages, trying to trick people into revealing personal information, financial account numbers, and passwords.  The spammer usually tries to threaten the receipient with account cancelation or charges on their account if they do not comply.

Do not be fooled.  Just like with email, if it doesn’t smell right, it probably is a scam.  You should not respond to the sender. Do not call any telephone numbers provided in the text message – also don’t click on any links.