Text message scams are becoming one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity threats affecting businesses today, and dealerships are no exception.
Known as smishing (SMS phishing), these attacks are designed to trick recipients into clicking malicious links, sharing sensitive information, or downloading harmful software. Because dealership employees regularly communicate with customers, lenders, vendors, manufacturers, and technology providers through mobile devices, understanding how these scams work is more important than ever.
A single click on a fraudulent text message can expose sensitive business information, disrupt operations, and create unnecessary cybersecurity risks.
What is Smishing?
Smishing is a type of phishing attack delivered through text messages instead of email.
Cybercriminals send fraudulent messages that appear to come from trusted organizations, hoping recipients will click a malicious link or provide confidential information.
These messages often impersonate:
- Banks and financial institutions
- Package delivery companies
- Toll authorities
- Government agencies
- Mobile phone providers
- Software vendors
- Even coworkers or managers
Their goal is simple: create urgency so the recipient reacts before verifying whether the message is legitimate.
Why Dealerships Should Be Concerned:
Dealerships handle large amounts of sensitive information every day, including:- Customer personal information
- Driver's license information
- Financial and lending documents
- Employee records
- Vendor credentials
- Dealer Management System (DMS) access
Because employees receive hundreds of emails and text messages throughout the day, fraudulent messages can easily blend in with legitimate business communications.
A successful smishing attack can lead to:
- Data breaches
- Financial loss
- Malware infections
- Operational downtime
- Loss of customer trust
- Damage to your dealership's reputation
Common Warning Signs
Smishing messages often:- Create a sense of urgency.
- Ask you to verify account information.
- Request immediate payment.
- Include unfamiliar or shortened links.
- Claim unusual activity has been detected.
- Contain spelling or grammatical mistakes.
If something seems suspicious, don't click.
How to Protect Your Dealership
Reducing your risk starts with awareness.
Best practices include:
- Educate Your Team
- Regular cybersecurity awareness training helps employees recognize suspicious messages before they become security incidents.
- Verify Unexpected Requests
If a text message appears unusual, verify it using a trusted phone number or another communication method before taking action.
Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
MFA adds another layer of protection by making unauthorized access significantly more difficult.
Keep Systems Updated
Regular software updates help address known security vulnerabilities that cybercriminals often exploit.
Encourage Employees to Report Suspicious Messages
Creating a culture where employees report questionable messages helps protect the entire organization.
What Should You Do If You Receive a Smishing Message?
If you receive a suspicious text:
- Do not click any links.
- Do not reply.
- Delete the message.
- Report it as spam if your carrier allows.
- Notify your IT team if the message appears work-related.
If you accidentally clicked the link or entered information, contact your IT department immediately and change any affected passwords as soon as possible.
How OWL Helps
Cybersecurity isn't just about technology, it's about helping your employees recognize threats before they become security incidents.
OWL Automotive Consulting partners with dealerships to strengthen their cybersecurity posture through services including:
- Cybersecurity Assessments
- Managed IT Services
- Vulnerability Scanning
- User Security Reviews
Our team works exclusively with automotive dealerships, helping clients identify risks, strengthen security practices, and reduce the likelihood of costly cyber incidents.
Want to strengthen your dealership's cybersecurity strategy? Contact the OWL team to learn how we can help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between phishing and smishing?
Phishing typically uses email, while smishing uses SMS text messages. Both attempt to trick recipients into revealing sensitive information or clicking malicious links.
Why are dealerships targeted?
Dealerships manage valuable customer, financial, and operational data, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals.
Can smishing lead to ransomware?
Yes. Some smishing attacks install malicious software that can ultimately lead to ransomware or other types of cyberattacks.
How can dealerships reduce the risk of smishing?
Regular employee training, Multi-Factor Authentication, software updates, and proactive cybersecurity assessments all help reduce risk.