Updated March 22, 2022
*** Smishing Attack Warning for Wisconsin Residents ***
Smishing is a type of hacking attempt done through text messaging. The sender appears to be an official agency, such as the DMV. They remind users that is is urgent that they renew their registration, driver’s license, or to keep their personal information updated after a security upgrade.
The link provided will take the user to a fake website almost identical looking to the official website for the DMV. Here, a page will ask you to fill out your personal information to renew or accomplish the urgent task or immediate action they need to take.
The personal information that you provide can be used in a number of malicious ways includig identity theft, creation of fake bank accounts, withdrawl or wiping out bank accounts, creation of fake social media accounts, fake credit applications, and more.
Fake social media accounts perpetuate the smishing and phishing scams by targeting friend lists and associated phone numbers that may be publlic.
In Wisconsin, the DMV states they never send out such text messages, and not to click on any link or enter any personal information. When in doubt, go directly to the government website with a web address that ends in .gov
If you would like to read more, please visit this link
Malicious Smishing Example Text Message
smishing phishing example SMS text message