Ontario Police Alert Residents to Beware of Increasing "Smishing" Scams!

The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) has issued an urgent warning to residents about a sharp rise in "smishing" scams, a deceptive tactic employed by cybercriminals to steal personal and banking information through text messages. Combining “SMS” (short message service) with phishing, smishing scams are designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links or engaging with fraudulent phone numbers.

These deceptive messages often purport to be from trusted entities such as financial institutions, courier services, online retailers, or government agencies. Once clicked, victims may unwittingly expose themselves to identity theft, financial fraud, or the installation of malware on their devices. Alarmingly, in 2024, the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) recorded nearly 9,500 reports of identity fraud and over 3,900 instances of personal information theft, highlighting the real threat posed by these scams.

Top Tips to Protect Yourself from Smishing Scams:

- **Do Not Interact:** Avoid clicking links or responding to messages from unknown senders.

- **Report Suspicious Texts:** Forward any dubious texts to 7726, which is designated for reporting spam.

- **Delete Immediately:** Erase all suspicious messages without delay.

- **Secure Your Device:** Regularly update your smartphone’s operating system and security software to protect against vulnerabilities.

- **Enable Multi-Factor Authentication:** Activate this feature for your banking, social media, and other sensitive accounts to add an extra layer of security.

- **Verify Unexpected Communications:** Always check official websites or contact organizations directly if you receive unsolicited messages.

- **If You Become a Victim:** Review the CAFC guide for a step-by-step response plan to deal with fraud.

To stay informed about fraud prevention strategies and discover how to protect yourself against these insidious scams, visit the Ontario Provincial Police website at opp.ca. Remember, staying vigilant is your best defense against smishing and other cyber threats!

Stay safe and informed; your security online matters!