IT security tip: Text message scams — don’t tap that link

This month’s tip comes from KnowBe4, the University of Utah’s cybersecurity awareness training partner.

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Text message scams — often called “smishing” — are designed to trick you into opening malicious links or handing over personal information. They often look urgent: a missed delivery, bank alert, or message that seems to come from your boss. Think of it as a con artist slipping a fake note under your door, hoping you’ll rush to act without checking.

Watch out for:

• Messages from unknown numbers claiming urgent problems with accounts, deliveries, or prizes
• Links that look odd (scammer.com/utah.edu) or shortened (like bit.ly or tinyurl)
• Messages that pressure you to respond immediately or keep things secret

Quick safety tips:

• Don’t open links or call numbers in unexpected texts — go directly to the official app or website instead
• Block and report suspicious numbers
• Enable spam filters on your phone to catch common scam texts
• Remember: Legitimate organizations won’t ask for sensitive info via text

Pause before you tap — a few seconds of caution can save you from identity theft or financial loss.

If you believe you have been the victim of a scam, please contact University Police at 801-585-2677. If you believe university data or your uNID and password have been stolen due to a scam, please contact the Information Security Office’s Security Operations Center at 801-587-1925 or soc@utah.edu.

Learn more from the Federal Trade Commission about how to recognize and report spam text messages.

 

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