Recently, new forms of fraud have emerged that take advantage of the daily use of technology. One of the most common They are those made through text messagesthat use sophisticated tactics to supplant identities and obtain sensitive information from users.
One of the keys to these fraud is in the links that accompany the messages. It is not simple web directions: behind them hides a well -calculated machinery to deceive. Organizations specialized in cybersecurity, such as spamhaus, have detected Very clear patterns that are repeated in this type of messages and that they can alert users that something is not going well.
The most common strategy used by scammers is to design web addresses that seem reliable to the naked eye. To achieve this, they subtly modify the domain names so that Imitate real pagesadding words or fragments that sound family. It is a kind of digital camouflage that seeks to cause a quick reaction, without giving time to think.
Words like ‘Track’ or ‘Toll’ They have become common in this type of scams. The first is usually associated with orders for sending or monitoring of orders, while the second is used to supplant alleged fines notifications. Both terms They are part of false domains that appear to be legitimatebut that actually redirects to sites designed to steal personal, banking data or even install malicious software.
In addition to the terms used, another element that should turn on the alarms are the extensions of the domains. While trusted websites usually end in .com, .org or similar, many of these scams use unusual endings such as .Top, .cyou or .xinwhich have been linked to numerous illicit activities in recent years.
Something constant in this type of messages is the use of phrases that seek to generate panic or fear. The objective is clear: make the receiver act without stopping to think. Messages that mention imminent sanctions, pending payments or accounts blocking risks are usually false and are specifically built to emotionally manipulate the user.
Tips to protect yourself
Although the scams by SMS have become more sophisticated, there are ways to avoid falling into them:
- Distrust of any message that requires an urgent action.
- Carefully review the link Before clicking. If it seems strange or has an unusual termination, ignore it.
- Do not share personal information through forms or pages you access from an SMS.
- If you have doubtsdirectly contact the supposedly issuing company or entity of the message, using its official channels.