At SMP Hawaii, our mission is to protect kūpuna from scams that threaten their health, finances, and peace of mind. While robocalls and email scams remain a concern, a growing digital threat is rising fast: smishing — a scam that comes through your text messages.
Smishing is a type of phishing scam that uses SMS text messages to trick you into revealing personal information or clicking malicious links. These texts often appear to come from trusted sources — like a delivery company, bank, or government agency — but are actually crafted by scammers looking to steal your identity, bank account info, or install malware on your phone.
Smishing messages may:
Urge you to click on a link to “track a package” or “verify your bank account.”
Pretend to be from a government agency or Medicare.
Warn you of legal trouble, locked accounts, or suspicious charges.
Offer fake prizes, gift cards, or COVID-19 tests.
Once you click the link, you may be directed to a fake website or unknowingly install malware. Either way, the scammer gains access to your information.
Here are some ways to stay safe:
Pause before reacting. Scammers try to create panic or urgency. Breathe and think before clicking.
Don’t respond to unknown texts. Even replying “STOP” can confirm your number is active.
Never click links in suspicious messages. Always visit trusted websites directly by typing the address.
Verify the source. Contact the real organization directly using an official phone number or website.
Keep your phone updated. Regular updates help patch security weaknesses and protect your device.
If you accidentally click a link or share personal info:
Run a virus scan on your phone or device.
Change your passwords on any affected accounts.
Notify your bank or credit card provider if financial info was shared.
Monitor your credit report for unusual activity.
Report the scam to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov and IdentityTheft.gov
If you have concerns about smishing, fraud, or identity theft, reach out to us for free, confidential help:
📞 Call: 1-800-296-9422
📧 Email: info@smphawaii.org
🌐 Visit: smphawaii.org
Stay alert. Trust your instincts. Together, we can protect Hawai‘i’s kūpuna from digital scams.
