How to safely use text messaging

Smishing is similar to phishing but the message arrives as a text message (SMS) or, in some cases, a multimedia message (MMS) which allows the fraudster to include a logo to look more authentic.  Like phishing, the texts often use language and styles that look like official business and often ask you to log in to a specific website.

For example, you may receive a text about a payment refund, but in order to claim the refund, you need to click on a link that directs you to a site where you will be asked to provide your login and account details.

What to look for

The clues for smishing are similar to phishing:

• The sender is not a recognized or trusted source. Many companies will send their SMS messages from a “short code” which has fewer digits than a normal phone number. Short codes are harder to obtain, so phishing messages are less common from short codes.
• There is limited detail in the text.
• The message is asking you to click on a specific attached link.
• The message is asking you to reply in a certain way in order to obtain more information.
• There is a shortened or vanity URL link. These are descriptive or memorable URLs that redirect to another longer and more specific URL.
• There is a sense of urgency.
• There is a promise of reward(s).

How to protect yourself

Be realistic; if it seems too good to be true, it probably is.

• Do not respond if you do not know the sender.
• Do not respond to requests for personal information such as your bank account number.
• Be aware of the companies with which you signed up for SMS/text alerts, and only trust messages that you know are from them.

Bell does not give out customers’ mobile numbers to any third-party sources unless we have prior consent from you. Furthermore, Bell employs rigorous spam filters.

The act of transmitting intimate images to others is known as “sexting.”  When intimate images are shared, they can be widely spread across the Internet with relative ease, and cannot be removed.  The reputational and emotional risks of having pictures spread are significant.

In Canada, it is illegal to distribute or post intimate images without consent.

Learn more: Non-Consensual Distribution of an Intimate Image (PDF)

If a spam text message gets through to your Bell mobile phone, just forward the message to short code SPAM (7726).
Here are some ways to help yourself:

• To stop getting alerts, reply to the unwanted text message with the word STOP.
• Block the number from your phone.

Bell’s communications to its customers will never:

• Request personal information, such as passwords, PINs, banking or credit card information (unless we are responding to an initial telephone inquiry that you made ).
• Include links to virus removal tools. Instead, we will direct you to support.bell.ca/Internet.
• Include attachments like executable (.exe) files, password-protected zip files or ISO files.

If we identify that your account has been compromised, we may recommend that you reset your password.