KakaoBank reported on July 8 that it analyzed 10,024 suspected smishing texts received through its 'AI Smishing Text Verification' service from January to June this year, finding that 33% were related to financial transactions.
The 'AI Smishing Text Verification' service allows users to copy and paste suspicious messages, which are then classified by AI into four categories: high-risk smishing, safe messages, simple spam, and messages that are difficult to assess.
Among the categories, financial transaction-related smishing made up the largest share at 33%. This was followed by authentication and personal information verification at 28%, public institution notifications at 13%, delivery-related messages at 11%, personal contacts and events at 5%, and other types at 10%.
Financial transaction-related smishing often involves tactics such as prompting users to visit phishing sites or install malicious apps under the guise of payment approvals, deposits, refunds, or account verifications. The authentication and personal information verification category typically exploits users' anxiety by masquerading as security checks or personal information confirmations.
Smishing messages related to public institutions, deliveries, and personal contacts often use familiar topics like traffic violation notices, delivery tracking, and invitations or obituaries to entice users to click on links.
The Korea Internet & Security Agency advises users to avoid clicking on links from unverified sources. It also emphasizes the importance of verifying website addresses before entering personal information such as phone numbers, passwords, or authentication codes on trusted sites.
A KakaoBank representative stated, "Smishing tactics are rapidly evolving, reflecting social issues and users' daily lives. If you receive a suspicious message, we encourage you to verify it using the AI Smishing Text Verification service before clicking any links."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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