Young Adults · Lesson 3
Phishing, Smishing and Fake Messages
Treat unexpected messages as notifications to investigate, not instructions to obey.
- Email phishing, SMS/text smishing and fake login pages are designed to capture credentials or payment information.
- Messages may imitate banks, retailers, delivery services, schools, employers, technology companies or government agencies.
- Links can lead to convincing copies of legitimate websites.
- Do not use the link in an unexpected message. Open the official app or type the known website address yourself.
- Never disclose a one-time verification code to someone who called or messaged you unexpectedly.
Treat unexpected messages as notifications to investigate, not instructions to obey.
This is Lesson 3 of the Financial Scams Education Series (Young Adults). Continue with Job, Gig and Work-From-Home Scams.
This article is for educational purposes and is not legal, tax, insurance, cybersecurity, or law-enforcement advice. Scam tactics change. If you think you have been scammed, contact your financial institution immediately and consider reporting to appropriate authorities. Su Bella Vida is not a bank, broker, CPA, or law firm. Read our terms & disclaimer.