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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 scammers are sending new types of fake text messages to trick people. You’ll learn about the new tricks they use, like fake loyalty points, tax help, and shopping refunds, to steal your information.

Technical Subject Understandability

Beginner

Analogy/Comparison

Getting a scam text message is like a trickster sending you a fake flyer in the mail, pretending to be from a store or the government to get you to call them.

Why It Matters

These scams are important because they can trick people into giving away their personal information or money. For example, the article shows how scammers might pretend to be the IRS to get you to click a link about a fake tax refund, which could lead to identity theft.

Related Terms

SMS phishers, Smishing. Jargon Conversion: SMS phishers are criminals who send fake text messages to try and trick you. Smishing is another word for these kinds of scams that happen through text messages.