In recent times, there has been a noticeable increase in spam text messages reaching people’s phones. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has highlighted a rise in “smishing” attempts, attributing this surge to the utilization of new technologies that enable coordinated mass attacks.
According to Jeff Horncastle, a spokesperson for the centre, the use of artificial intelligence tools is likely contributing to the escalation of smishing. These tools can generate convincing messages and extract data from security breaches to identify fresh targets. While the Anti-Fraud Centre has recorded a decrease in fraud reports during the first half of 2025, Horncastle cautions that this may not accurately reflect the actual prevalence due to underreporting.
The Competition Bureau recently issued an alert concerning the uptick in suspicious text messages, urging caution. Smishing, a blend of SMS and phishing, involves sending text messages to prompt recipients to click on links and divulge personal information under false pretenses. These messages often impersonate legitimate organizations, pressuring recipients to take immediate action to resolve fabricated issues like undelivered packages or suspended accounts.
Horncastle emphasizes that smishing differs from more elaborate scams, such as fraudulent job opportunities, where scammers attempt to extract personal details via phone conversations. With advancements in technology, scammers can now leverage artificial intelligence to mine leaked data for personal information to enhance the credibility of their scams.
The Competition Bureau advises against clicking on suspicious links and recommends forwarding such texts to 7726 (SPAM) for further investigation by cellular providers. Deleting smishing messages, blocking the sender, and ignoring requests to respond with “STOP” or “NO” are also suggested preventive measures.
Although the Anti-Fraud Centre received 886 reports of smishing in the first half of 2025, a downward trend from previous years, Horncastle stresses that the low reporting rate implies a higher prevalence of unreported incidents. Technology, particularly artificial intelligence, is increasingly being harnessed by fraudsters for various illicit activities, including creating sophisticated scam messages.
Josephine Palumbo, from the Competition Bureau, underscores the importance of public awareness in combating smishing. She acknowledges the challenges in tracking down fraudsters, who often conceal their identities using prepaid SIM cards. Fraudsters further deceive victims by spoofing phone numbers to appear as legitimate entities like the Canada Revenue Agency.
In light of these evolving tactics, staying informed and vigilant is crucial in safeguarding against smishing attacks.