HOLT, Fla., July 24, 2021—The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office issued a Facebook warning about a “smishing” scam.

Using text messages—or short message service (SMS), also known as “smishing”—internet criminals send text messages that appear to come from Verizon.

The text message is designed to look like a security alert warning the user to take action by clicking on the link and validating the account before the account access is disabled.

Clicking on the link takes the user to a convincing fake website that looks identical to Verizon’s login page.

Users are instructed to sign in to “validate” the account’s security. Entering personal credentials on this website gives the attackers login information they’ll use to take over the account.

How to protect from smishing scams:

• Links sent through text messages are usually shortened, so it’s impossible to tell where the link will take the user.
• Always log into online accounts through the phone’s browser or through a mobile application installed on the phone, not a link that pops up in a text message.
• Do not use the same password for multiple accounts.

Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office news release