SMiShing

SMiShing it’s a social engineering technique fraudsters use to trick you into sharing sensitive information so that they can access your organization’s accounts for their own use through text messaging.

How it happens and red flags to look out for

• You receive a text message asking you to click on a link in order to act on an allegedly important and official request relating to a security breach on the organisation’s account. The link  then asks you for sensitive information like your login details to your organisation’s account.
• If the SMS looks legitimate enough and you’re caught off guard, you could end up revealing sensitive information such as the organisation’s sensitive information to a fraudster and fall victim to a SMShing scam.
• Be cautious of SMS which has a short web address (URL) such as bit.ly link.

How to respond and protect yourself or organisation

• The bank will never ask you for your username and/or password.
• Be vigilant! Never click on a link in an SMS claiming to be from Absa or or share any of your organisation’s sensitive information via unknown link sent to you in an SMS.

Reporting options

• To report fraud-related incidents, please email cibfraud@absa.africa
• To report phishing incidents, please email secmon@absa.co.za
• To report a matter after business hours, please contact our Fraud Hotline on 0860 500 703 or 010 211 3117.