A new year means new scams, this time, targeting cell phone users. “Smishing” is a new practice where scammers contact individuals through text messages asking them to provide personal information, reports MSNBC.

Like traditional “phishing,” smishing schemers often pose as banks asking customers to contact them immediately about a pressing issue that needs to be discussed. Victims of the scam are asked to call a toll-free number and provide information, such as their debit card or account number and password, to a fake automated system.

Smishing is quite effective since most people are more likely to trust a text message rather than a traditional email scam. Scammers often receive victims’ information via online purchases.

The BBB advises people to be wary of any suspicious text message or email asking for personal information. If asked for bank information, call your bank immediately rather than the number indicated in the message. Also, do not reply to the message. Scammers could be testing the number to see if it is active. Lastly, call your cell phone provider to block the number, as well as any premium text messages.

To read the full article, visit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/41121201/ns/technology_and_science-security/