How can you spot a fake text message and protect yourself?

A fake text messages can be identified by a few specific signs: unknown sender, shortened links, fake emergencies, spelling mistakes, and topics that don't concern you. If you receive this kind of message, don't click on any links. Then report the number to the 33700, the toll-free short number available through major carriers.

This practice is called the smishing. In France, between Between 300,000 and 400,000 fake text messages are sent every day. The scammers' goal is always the same: to steal your personal data and put you at risk of a risk of identity theft or financial loss. For your security, never share your personal information via text message, even if the message appears to come from an official source.

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What is a fake SMS?

A fake text message, also known as smishing, is a fraudulent message sent to scam you or steal your personal data. Cybercriminals pose as your bank, a well-known company, or someone you trust.

These messages are sent directly to your phone, often with a clickable link or one number to call back.

The goal is simple: to get you to take an action that benefits them. Specifically, they’re trying to get you to:

• click on a link malicious,
• disclose sensitive data (passwords, bank account information, card number),
• download a infected file (virus),
• call back a premium-rate number which is costing you dearly every second.

One technique makes these text messages even more believable: the sender spoofing. The message appears in a brand's actual thread (for example La Poste), even though this is completely false. The displayed name therefore never proves the sender’s true identity.

These fraudulent messages are usually sent en masse. Scammers know that not everyone will fall for it, but by casting a very wide net, they increase their chances of finding victims.

What are the signs of fake SMS?

There are several clear signs that a text message is fake. As soon as you notice even one of them, treat the message as suspicious.

The content of the fake text message has nothing to do with you

Are you receiving a message about a topic that has nothing to do with any of your online activities? That's already a red flag. A warning about so-called suspicious activity on a an account you've never opened is a clear sign that the content just doesn't apply to you.

An unknown or suspect sender

Be wary of text messages sent from unknown numbers, even when they claim to be from a friend or a company. Scammers impersonate your contacts to gain your trust. Always check the’sender's address : A legitimate service won't contact you from a random number or a suspicious email address.

Attention : Scammers exploit parents' love by fabricating an emergency involving their child's phone. A real family member would give you verifiable details.

Spelling and grammatical errors

Fake text messages are often riddled with’obvious errors. Legitimate messages from companies, on the other hand, are generally well-written. A professional message full of mistakes should immediately raise a red flag for you.

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Links or attachments

Never click on a link in a text message if you're not sure where it came from. These links redirect you to fraudulent websites or install malware on your phone. Also watch out for URLs that mimic a brand name with a subtle mistake: the’address laposte-livraison.com instead of the real one laposte.fr, for example. Always check the’full link address before doing anything.

An excessive sense of urgency

Scammers are trying to to cause a panic to pressure you into acting without thinking. For example, they threaten to block your account if you do not immediately provide your personal information. The services Officials never make this kind of request via text message. A A legitimate company will never ask you for your sensitive information via text message.

If you notice any of these signs, the rule is simple: Don't reply to the message and never call back the number provided. Instead, forward the fraudulent text message to 33700, the official short number in France, which is free when calling from major carriers.

You can also notify your service provider or the company that has been impersonated to help combat the smishing. This risk extends beyond just the phone: if you want to check that your My computer is being spied on, there are also methods for this.

Use a tool to identify fake SMS messages

Beyond the signs visible to the naked eye, you can rely on free tools and official platforms to verify a received text message and report it.

Check a link before clicking on it

A fake text message almost always tries to get you to click on a link. Never do it if you're unsure. Instead, copy the’address (without opening it) and paste it into an online analysis tool.

There are two free tools that do the job very well:

• URLScan.io : The site uses an automated scanner to check the link for you and tells you where it actually redirects to.
• VirusTotal : he runs into the’address It uses multiple security engines and tells you if the file is already known to be malicious.

Also be wary of premium-rate numbers received in a suspicious text message. Never call back a premium-rate number without first verifying its source.

Report an unwanted text message to 33700

In France, the official remedy for Report a spam text message is the 33700, a short number set up by the mobile carriers as part of a platform to combat Unwanted text messages and calls.

To report a spam text message:

1. Forward the fraudulent text message to 33700.
2. You receive a reply asking you for the phone number from the sender.
3. Enter this number to complete your report.

Service is Free from major carriers (Orange, SFR, Bouygues Telecom, Free). Depending on your plan, sending this message may count as a standard text message, with no additional charges from 33700.

You can also use the platform signal-spam.fr, a certified public-private partnership that centralizes spam reports, or fill out a form online on your carrier's website.

Remember to keep a screenshot of the message before deleting it: Reporting these numbers helps operators block them more quickly.

If you've already provided banking information or personal information, contact your bank immediately and have your card blocked. You can also block the number from your phone so you no longer receive their messages. The services Banks have emergency procedures in place to handle this type of fraudulent request.

Textline, a secure messaging service for business communication

Textline is a platform for Business SMS messaging Designed for support and sales teams. It secures communications between a company and its customers, and offers a free trial to familiarize yourself with the tool before making any commitments.

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the smishing is a real threat designed to steal your personal data. You now know how to spot fake text messages, check a suspicious link, and report them to the 33700. Stay vigilant and share these best practices with those around you to better protect them.

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