In recent times, you might have noticed an increase in spam text messages bombarding your phone. The Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre has observed a rise in “smishing” attempts, partly due to advancements in technology enabling coordinated mass attacks.
According to Jeff Horncastle, spokesperson for the centre, smishing is likely on the upswing, thanks to the use of artificial intelligence tools that can generate convincing messages or extract data from security breaches to identify new targets. While the centre has recorded a decrease in fraud reports in the first half of 2025, Horncastle highlights that many incidents go unreported.
The Competition Bureau recently issued a warning about the prevalence of suspicious text messages, emphasizing the need for vigilance. Smishing, a blend of SMS and phishing, involves sending text messages to trick recipients into clicking on links and divulging personal information.
Variations of smishing scams often involve messages pretending to be from legitimate organizations, urging immediate action to address a supposed issue, such as an undelivered package or a suspended bank account. Horncastle distinguishes smishing from more elaborate scams, like luring victims to call fake job recruiters who aim to extract personal or financial details over the phone.
In today’s landscape, fraudsters can deploy sophisticated smishing tactics using AI to mine leaked data for enhancing their schemes or to craft convincing text messages. Horncastle notes that the use of AI has refined these scams to the point where spelling errors, once a common red flag, may no longer be present.
The Competition Bureau advises against clicking on suspicious links and recommends forwarding such texts to 7726 (SPAM) for investigation by cellular providers. Deleting smishing messages, blocking numbers, and disregarding texts requesting replies with “STOP” or “NO” are further precautions urged by the agency.
Although the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre received 886 smishing reports in the first half of 2025, a decline from previous years, Horncastle stresses that these figures do not accurately reflect the full extent of the issue. He highlights the underreporting of fraud incidents and cautions that AI tools are likely driving the increase in smishing attempts.
Deputy Commissioner Josephine Palumbo emphasizes the importance of public awareness in combatting smishing, as tracking down fraudsters, who often use disposable SIM cards to conceal their identities, poses a significant challenge for enforcement agencies.
Fraudsters can also manipulate caller ID by spoofing phone numbers to appear as legitimate organizations like the Canada Revenue Agency, adding another layer of deception to their schemes.
Stay informed and vigilant to protect yourself against smishing scams, as fraudsters continually adapt their tactics to evade detection and exploit unsuspecting individuals.
