Authorities Sound the Alarm
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is warning residents about an alarming increase in text message scams known as “smishing.” The warning, issued on October 16, 2025, comes after local employees — including some within the sheriff’s office — received fraudulent text messages attempting to trick recipients into revealing personal or financial information.
Cybersecurity experts define smishing as a form of phishing that uses SMS or text messages instead of emails. Scammers disguise themselves as legitimate individuals or organizations to steal sensitive data, install malware, or solicit money directly from victims.
How Smishing Scams Work
According to MCSO, these scam messages often appear harmless or random at first glance, such as messages that seem to be sent to the wrong number or simple greetings designed to prompt a response. Once a person replies, scammers know the phone number is active and may continue sending increasingly targeted messages meant to build trust before making fraudulent requests.
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Some of the fake texts received by MCSO employees include:
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“You have a package waiting for delivery, please click here to confirm receipt.”
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“Are you still at your workplace?”
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“Can I speak with you for a moment?”
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“Hi, we missed you at last night’s event.”
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“We’d like to connect with you about your current role.”
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“Text me when you’re free, okay.”
MCSO noted that these short, vague messages are designed to lure people into replying or clicking a malicious link.
Real Threats Behind Simple Texts
What makes smishing particularly dangerous is its personalized and low-effort approach. Unlike spam emails, text messages arrive directly on a person’s phone, creating a false sense of urgency and trust. Once victims click a malicious link, scammers may gain access to their bank accounts, install data-tracking malware, or sell their information to other criminals.
The Sheriff’s Office said these scams are part of larger, automated campaigns that send thousands of messages simultaneously. Even if only a few people fall for them, the criminals profit significantly.
How to Protect Yourself
To help residents stay safe, the MCSO shared several key safety tips:
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Do not reply to suspicious or unknown text messages.
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Block and report suspicious phone numbers as spam or junk.
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Never share personal or financial details over text.
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Avoid clicking on links from numbers or senders you do not recognize.
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Verify directly with the company or person if you receive an unexpected message claiming to be from them.
The Sheriff’s Office emphasized that legitimate government agencies, banks, and delivery companies will never request personal information or payments via text message.
Staying Alert Is the Best Defense
Officials urged residents to remain vigilant and skeptical of unexpected or strange messages, even if they appear to come from familiar numbers. “These scams rely on quick reactions,” the MCSO said in its advisory. “Taking a moment to verify before responding can save you from identity theft or financial loss.”
The agency encourages the public to report smishing attempts to their wireless carrier or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) through its official website.
By staying informed and cautious, Multnomah County residents can protect themselves from the growing wave of text-based scams targeting phones across Oregon and beyond.
