The Competition Bureau of Canada has issued a warning regarding an increase in smishing scams, where scammers send fraudulent text messages that appear to be from trusted sources. These messages often claim urgent issues, such as unpaid tolls or suspicious account activity, to trick recipients into providing sensitive information.

Smishing, a combination of SMS and phishing, involves fraudsters impersonating legitimate businesses or government agencies to deceive individuals. The goal is to steal personal data or money by prompting victims to click on malicious links or share confidential information.

Consumers are advised to be vigilant and recognize warning signs of smishing, such as unexpected messages from unknown numbers, requests for personal information, and a sense of urgency. To protect themselves, individuals should verify the sender through official channels, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and report any smishing attempts to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.