they can reach you SMS impersonating identity of certain brands or companies. For example, you could receive a supposed message from the Post Office where they tell you that they have not been able to deliver a package, from a bank so that you can solve a problem or from a social network so that you can change some data and be able to continue using it.
Avoid problems with fake SMS
It’s fundamental to take precautions whenever you receive a mobile message of this type. If you fall into errors, it can mean that you lose control of the device or even impersonate your identity to reach third parties. All this can happen only with an SMS that, at first glance, may seem harmless.
never click
The first and most important thing is never click those links. This is essential, since that alone could steal your data and seriously compromise your security. What hackers are looking for is to attract your attention and open that link. From there is when the problem begins.
Therefore, whenever you receive a strange SMS, with a URL that could be dangerous, the ideal is to ignore it and never click. Delete it directly so that at another time, by mistake, you do not click.
Inform yourself in case of doubts
But it may not be so easy to delete directly. I mean, maybe you have doubts if it really could be a problem or not. It may be a message that pretends to be from your bank or that you are waiting for a package and you have received a related SMS and you have doubts as to whether it really is from that company or not.
What you can do is inform yourself. Whenever you have doubts, simply look for information on the Internet, check what may be behind that SMS and also contact your bank or the company that supposedly sent you that message directly. Avoid clicking, but you can always search for information.
If you enter, analyze the system
Have you entered that message? If you have clicked by mistake, it is essential that you act correctly to prevent the problem from escalating. What you should do is analyze the system. Check if you have downloaded a file by mistake, if any suspicious programs have been installed, etc.
Using a good antivirus, in these cases, can be your best ally. It will analyze the system in search of threats and detect any problem that may affect you. It is always convenient to have security programs, to have a constant review when you enter a website, download a document, etc.
Beware of passwords
Of course, it is essential that you be careful with your passwords. If you have opened a link that has come to you by suspicious SMS and you are logged in, you should change your password immediately. It is something that you must do yes or yes. It could be a Phishing attack and its objective is none other than to steal your passwords.
But even without logging in, whenever you suspect you might have a virus or any malware, you should change your passwords. This will guarantee you greater protection in case a password has been leaked, even if you are not aware of it.
Contact potential victims
Something that can happen is that you receive a strange SMS from any contact of yours. Maybe even from a family member or friend. That doesn’t mean that person sent you that message to steal your passwords or sneak in a virus. What could have happened is that a cybercriminal has taken control of his mobile and is sending messages to all of his contacts.
It is important that you contact that person, since that way they can take action and cut the chain. You may have a virus, for example. This will allow you to scan the device or remove any programs that are problematic.
In short, by following these steps that we have explained, you will be able to act correctly when you receive a strange SMS. The goal is to avoid security issues and stay protected at all times. It will help you reduce the risk that they can launch multiple strategies against you.