What is a Smishing (SMS/Text Messaging) scam and how do I report them?

If you believe you have received a Malicious SMS/Text Message, then you will need to report it to the IT Help Desk at (615)230-3302.

Smishing is a Phishing attack conducted via SMS (text messaging).

Caller ID Spoofing when a caller deliberately falsifies the information transmitted to your caller ID display to disguise their identity.

Please be on the lookout for these types of messages. You can become familiar with current Smishing and Phishing campaigns through the My Vol State Portal "IT Phish Bowl". (https://my.volstate.edu/phishing)

Options for reporting Malicious SMS/Text Messages

If you receive an SMS /Text Message that is similar to the above screen shot, then know that this is a scam.

Regardless of the source telephone number (See Caller ID Spoofing) if you receive this message, please:

1. Take a screen shot.

2. Do not engage in any conversation with the scammer.

3. Block the number.

4. Delete the message.

5. Report this message to the IT Help Desk at (615)230-3302

   • If you are unable to call the IT Help Desk, then open a Team Dynamix service ticket using "Email Issue" and include the screenshot.

6. Change your Vol State password.

Avoid scams

To guard against Smishing scams, consider the following:

• Volunteer State Community College and other reputable organizations will never use SMS/Text Messages to request that you reply with your password, full Social Security number, or confidential personal information. Be suspicious of any SMS/Text Message that asks you to enter or verify personal information, through a website or by replying to the message itself. Never reply to or click the links in such a message. If you think the message may be legitimate, go directly to the company's website (that is, type the real URL into your browser) or contact the company to see if you really do need to take the action described in the email message.

• Do not open any attachments in these types of SMS/Text Messages.  They can contain scripts, viruses, or malware.

When you recognize a Smishing message, report it as noted above.

See Also:

FCC: Caller ID Spoofing (https://www.fcc.gov/spoofing)

Microsoft: Protect yourself from tech support scams

If you continue to have questions and concerns regarding Smishing, then call the IT Help Desk at (615)230-3302.