Recognize and report phishing SMS messages - how it works

In this article we will show you how to recognize a phishing SMS and then report it. Phishing SMS are used to either install malware on your cell phone or to read your data. Often, there are also high costs because unwanted premium services are closed.

Detect phishing SMS

Detecting phishing SMS is often not easy. But all of these SMS have certain features that you can check. In general, you should also trust your instincts. If an SMS seems strange to you, this suspicion will often not be unfounded. If you cannot remember taking part in a competition or the like, it is very likely an attempt to steal your data. If you receive a strange SMS, check the following features:

• Phishing SMS messages either come from unknown numbers or from a number in your address book. If you receive a text message from an unknown number, you should be careful if it contains links. But even if the SMS comes from someone in your address book, it is possible that that person's cell phone has been infected. In this case, the cell phone automatically sends phishing SMS to the entire person's phone book. Then pay attention to the spelling. This usually shows whether the message actually comes from the person. Alternatively, you can call her and ask if she wrote you an SMS. If not, point out to the person concerned that there may be a Trojan on their cell phone.
• Typically, phishing text messages will ask you to follow a link. This is often done by pointing to a supposed profit. You will then be informed that you have either won money or a smartphone or similar. To collect your winnings, you should follow the link. Don't do that under any circumstances.
• If the cell phone of one of your contacts is affected, you will often receive a more personal SMS. In these, the person wants to show you photos from the last company party or from vacation. For this you should follow the link. You will then often have to enter personal data in the following windows. In very brazen cases, however, you automatically book very expensive services as soon as you click the link.
• Your bank will never send you a text message when you want to be called. So don't fall for an emergency somewhere. Because the number you call afterwards will cost you dearly. In bad cases, the call will cost you several hundred euros. For security, you can also call the institute in person at the official and known number to inquire.
• If you receive a text message from DHL or another parcel service, do not open the link it contains under any circumstances. Parcel services will generally not send you a link via SMS. In most cases you will only receive short automated messages without a link. Phishing text messages often pretend that you can use the link to track a package. You should only track parcels using the tracking number on the official website of the supplier.
• If news or offers sound too good and even go absurd, you should never follow the instructions. Unfortunately, the likelihood that a Bengali prince has bequeathed his entire fortune to you is very low. Even the long-lost aunt, of whom you knew nothing, will not bequeath her inheritance to you by SMS.

Report phishing SMS

Reporting a phishing SMS is not very time-consuming - thanks to the Federal Network Agency. The company offers forms for complaints. The authority will then investigate these complaints and take appropriate action. So if you want to protect future victims and yourself from fraud, this is the way to go:

• If you have received and recognized a phishing SMS, you can report it to the Federal Network Agency. Use this page and choose the right one from the various forms. Alternatively, you can use this link to go directly to the SMS form. Then all you have to do is enter a few details and submit the form.
• On this page you will also find a redirect to the measures taken by the Federal Network Agency. Here you can see in tabular form what steps have been taken. You can also inquire here about phone numbers from which you have received a suspicious SMS.