In one sentence: Smishing is phishing by text message: a message tries to trick you into tapping a link or sharing information.
Why it matters: The link may open a fake website that looks real. Real companies do not usually ask for account information by text. Most phone companies in the US and the UK accept scam texts forwarded to 7726 (SPAM).
One thing to do: Do not tap the link. Forward the text to 7726, then block the sender. If that does not work, ask your phone company how to report it.
Related terms: phishing, SMS code, QR code scam
Learn more: Why Text-Message Codes Are the Weakest 2FA (and What to Use Instead)
Checked: 25 Oct 2026.
