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SMS Phishers Pivot to Points, Taxes, Fake Retailers – December 2025

Author/Source: Brian Krebs See the full link here

Takeaway

This article explains how text message scammers are finding new ways to trick people. You’ll learn about the latest scams, like fake loyalty points or tax refunds, that try to steal your personal information.


Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner


Analogy/Comparison

Getting these scam texts is like getting a fake flyer in your mailbox that looks like it’s from a real store, trying to trick you into giving them your house keys.


Why It Matters

These scams can trick people into giving away their private information, such as bank account details or passwords. For example, the article mentions how scammers set up fake websites that look exactly like real ones from major companies or government agencies, which can lead to identity theft and financial losses.


Related Terms

SMS phishing, Smishing, Malicious links, Spoofing, Multi-factor authentication. Jargon Conversion: SMS phishing means sending fake text messages to trick people into giving up private information. Smishing is another word for these text message scams. Malicious links are website addresses that lead to harmful or fake websites. Spoofing is making a message or call appear to come from a trusted source when it actually isn’t. Multi-factor authentication is an extra security step, like a code sent to your phone, to prove it’s really you logging in.

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