Smishing vs Phishing: Recognize Indiana’s Most Common Type of Scam

Phishing isn't just a common problem; it’s the single biggest online scam in Indiana.^[1] A staggering 40% of Hoosiers have been targeted, placing the state second nationwide in 2025 for its rate of reported victims.^[2]

If you haven't fallen victim to a phishing scam, you likely know someone who has.

And, what’s the difference between phishing and smishing? That’s exactly what you’ll learn here.

In this article, explore the idea of smishing vs phishing and learn how they can impact you. Then, find helpful ways to prevent falling victim to these scams. Educate yourself to protect your financial wellbeing.

What is the Difference Between Phishing and Smishing?

Smishing and phishing are similar types of scams. Both are meant to steal your information or infect your device. Technically, they’re online scams. But they don’t necessarily appear when you land on a fraudulent web page. 

These related scams victimize people in different places:

1. Phishing primarily targets victims via email and sometimes fraudulent websites.
2. Smishing (slang for “SMS-phishing”) targets victims via text message or other messaging apps.

Both phishing and smishing are social engineering attacks that can appear to come from trusted sources. However, they could include links or other requests for login or personal information. Smishing might also include links to malware.

You might also like: What Types of Internet Frauds Are Most Common? 

Smishing vs Phishing Examples

Key similarities with phishing and smishing are that they seem real and they aim to obtain your information for their own gain.

Let’s look at a real-world example of phishing and smishing scams.

The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) warns that many consumers believe they can make transactions through multiple websites.^[3] However, this is not true.

Some of the websites that scammers use can look very convincing, but should be avoided. Some of the sites they list are indianadriverslicense.org, www.car-registration.org, www.DMV.org, and www.DMV.com. While it might not seem obvious, these are scam sites that don’t belong to any motor vehicles department.

Here’s how a motor vehicles scam might start with phishing vs smishing:

●      A phisher might send you an email from an email address similar to one above. That email may even include the official BMV logo and possibly a real government address.

●      Meanwhile, a smisher might send you a link to your phone or a messaging app. That message might ask you to click through a link that looks like one above.

If you fall victim to the trick, you could end up sending money or giving your information to the scammer.

Common Emotional Triggers Used in These Attacks

In social engineering attacks like these, scammers often use the same emotional triggers every time.

Some emotional triggers in phishing and smishing attacks often include:

●      Urgency

●      Fear or anxiety

●      Scarcity or “limited time” pressure

●      Curiosity

●      Trust or authority

Smishers and phishers might pretend to be a loved one, boss, bank, or government agency. By impersonating a person or institution you trust, they can build on emotional impact. This is how they are able to be successful.  

How to Protect Yourself From Social Engineering Scams

When it comes to both smishing and phishing, there are some general things you can do to help stay safe.

To help keep yourself safe:

●      If anyone requests a code or personal information, assume it is a scam until you can verify.

●      Never click links or open attachments from unexpected messages.

●      Verify all requests by going directly to the company’s official website or app.

●      Contact organizations or people using phone numbers that you already know.

●      Be wary of threats, urgent language, and offers that seem too good to be true.

This advice holds true in both online and offline situations. And, there are specific precautions you can take to help avoid falling victim to smishing and phishing attacks. 

Recommended: Top 5 Banking Scams To Watch Out for and How To Protect Yourself

How to Spot and Help Prevent Smishing Attacks

While smishing can be devastating, there are things to look out for to help you avoid it.

First of all, if you get a text that asks you to click a link or call a phone number, treat it as suspicious. Unless prompted by you, most legitimate banks or government agencies will never ask you for these things. This is especially true when it comes to text messages.

Next, watch out for fake delivery alerts, bank warnings, or “reply yes” tricks via text. These are some of the most common smishing methods.

Finally, don’t trust a message just because it appears in a normal-looking text thread. Some smishing scams are very sophisticated and believable.

Best Practices to Know to Help Protect Against Phishing Emails

When it comes to phishing, you also have actionable options.

First, always look closely at the sender address in an email, not just the display name. In most cases, you may be able to determine that an email address is fake. Businesses usually contact customers from a professional email address that matches their main website URL.

Next, hover over links before you click them to see the real destination URL. If it doesn’t match the company’s main website, be wary.

Finally, stay on the lookout for attachments in emails, especially if you weren’t expecting them. Opening any attachment with malware can infect your device.

Protect Your Financial Wellbeing With Centier By Your Side

Smishing and phishing are social engineering scams that impact thousands of Hoosiers every year. Keep yourself safe by knowing how to spot them.

If you’ve received a suspicious email or text from Centier Bank, report suspicious activity right away.

Call us at 1-888-CENTIER (2368437) or email us at [email protected].

To find out more about Centier protects your financial information and find out if you can spot a scam, explore our Security and Fraud Prevention Resources.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is phishing vs vishing vs smishing?

So, what is vishing and how does it differ? Vishing is slang for “voicemail phishing.” Like phishing and smishing, vishing is a social engineering scam. It is also meant to trick you into making a payment or sharing information. The difference with vishing is that it takes place via phone or voicemail.

What are some of the types of phishing?

Four main types of phishing are email, spear phishing (targeted), smishing (text), and vishing (phone). Each one uses fake messages that look real to trick you into sharing sensitive information like passwords or financial details. The difference comes down to how the scam reaches you and how targeted it is.

What is the difference between phishing and spamming?

Phishing aims to trick you into sharing sensitive information by posing as a trusted source. Spam is just unwanted bulk messages, usually ads, and does not always try to steal your data.

Sources:

^[1] https://www.in.gov/dhs/get-prepared/general-safety/scams/#tab-980200-2-Online_Scams

^[2] https://fox59.com/news/survey-ranks-indiana-no-2-for-phishing-victims/

^[3] https://www.in.gov/bmv/resources/consumer-alerts/