Protecting Your Business from SMS Scams: A Guide for Small to Medium Enterprises

Sergiu Marias
Oct 2
3 min read

Updated: Nov 9

In the digital age, threats can come from unexpected places. Not all dangers arrive via email or malicious websites; many lurk silently in your SMS inbox. One particularly deceptive scam involves a false “virus alert” sent by text message. This scam prompts unsuspecting recipients to reply or click a link. Before they realize it, they have unwittingly subscribed to a costly weekly game service that charges their phone bill.

What Is This Scam?

Criminals send an SMS claiming your device is infected with a virus or that you must take urgent action. For example, they might say, “Your phone is compromised, reply OK to scan now.”
The message often looks legitimate. It uses fearful language, countdowns, or warnings to push you to respond quickly.
If you reply or click, you may be automatically enrolled in a “premium SMS subscription.” This could be a paid game or entertainment service, and you may not be fully aware of it.
The charges appear on your mobile bill or are deducted via your carrier, week after week.

Many victims don’t notice the extra costs immediately. Some dismiss the welcome message, thinking it’s harmless. However, experts warn this is precisely what scammers rely on.

How the Scam Works

Smishing (SMS phishing): This term combines SMS and phishing. The attacker pretends to be trustworthy via a text message.
Premium SMS Fraud: The scam triggers a subscription via SMS billing. Once subscribed, you’re charged for weeks, often without your full awareness.
Malicious apps: Some apps, appearing as harmless tools, games, or photo editors, are Trojanized. They enroll you in premium SMS services once you grant permissions. Avast has found campaigns of such apps on the Play Store.
Forged consent: In advanced scams, the user’s consent is falsified. You might never see a clear “subscribe” step.

One notable example is FluBot, a malware spread through SMS. It lures users with fake alerts and then installs spyware or forces them to subscribe to services.

Why It’s Dangerous

Unexpected charges: Victims can incur recurring fees that escalate over time.
Loss of control: Stopping the subscription may require contacting the mobile carrier or interrupting services.
Data theft: Clicking on links could install malware that harvests your personal information.
Widespread reach: Scams reach many users simultaneously, often via automated systems.

How to Protect Yourself

Be Cautious with SMS

Never reply to suspicious texts asking you to do anything urgent, especially those about viruses or account problems.
Avoid clicking links from unknown senders.
Check your phone bill regularly for subscriptions or charges you don’t recognize.

Contact Your Mobile Provider

Contact your mobile provider immediately if you notice unusual charges. Ask them to cancel or block premium SMS services.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Use spam filters or security apps that detect malicious SMS or block premium subscriptions.
Stay updated and cautious: Don’t install unknown apps, even if they seem harmless, such as photo editors or games.

What To Do If You’re Already Enrolled

Contact your mobile carrier. Explain the issue and request cancellation or a refund of unwanted charges.
Block the sender or short code.
If malware is suspected, scan your phone using a reputable antivirus or remove recently installed apps.
Report the scam to consumer protection or telecommunications authorities in your country.

Conclusion

By staying alert and not reacting impulsively to urgent-sounding messages, you can protect yourself from this sneaky SMS scam. Regularly checking your bills helps you catch any unexpected charges early. Remember, the best defense against scams is awareness and caution.

For more information on how to safeguard your digital assets, consider exploring MSCS Support Remote. They aim to be the go-to partner for small to medium businesses needing robust IT and cybersecurity support.