Have you ever received a random text from an unknown number that just says “Hello”? It might seem like a harmless message—maybe even a simple case of mistaken identity. But before you respond, think twice. That friendly little ping on your phone might be the first move in a sophisticated scam.
This kind of trick is known as a smishing attack—a form of phishing that happens over SMS. Cybercriminals send out vague, casual messages like “Hi” or “Hey, how are you?” to thousands of phone numbers, hoping someone replies. Once you do, they know your number is active, and that you’re likely to engage. From there, they’ll continue the conversation, attempting to earn your trust so they can eventually extract sensitive information like passwords, account details, or banking info.
So, while that message may seem innocent, it’s often the digital equivalent of a stranger knocking on your door with bad intentions.
How to Stay Safe from Smishing Attacks:
Don’t engage. If you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize, especially if it only says something generic like “Hello,” it’s best to ignore it.
Report and block. Most smartphones offer the option to report messages as spam and block the sender. Use it.
Keep your info private. Never share personal, account, or financial information via text—especially with unknown numbers.
Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is. Staying cautious and aware is the best way to protect yourself from mobile-based scams.
Stay safe, stay smart—your phone deserves better than scammers.
— RDE Technologies
