The Rising Threat of SMS-Pumping Scams: What You Need to Know
SMS pumping scams, also known as "artificial inflation of traffic (AIT).", are a growing threat in SMS communication. At its core, an SMS-pumping scam involves a malicious actor flooding a company's SMS system with a massive number of fraudulent messages. These scams exploit vulnerabilities to send a one-time passcode (OTP) and other notification messages by exploiting a phone number input field in a web site or an app.
Motivation behind SMS-Pumping Scams
The primary motivation behind SMS pumping scams is financial gain. Scammers set up or partner with entities that own phone numbers, which charge high rates for SMS messages sent to them. When they successfully manipulate a service or user into sending a large volume of messages to these numbers, they earn a significant portion of the fees collected. The scam typically doesn't target the victim with the intent to cause direct harm. If you make yourself a more difficult target, scammers will often move on to easier prey.
How to Protect Against SMS-Pumping Scams
We have already implemented several measures to detect and mitigate the risk of SMS pumping scams. Additionally, businesses can take proactive steps to further protect themselves.
- Implement CAPTCHA: Use CAPTCHA on forms and processes that trigger SMS sending, such as user registrations or password resets. This helps ensure that only real users, not automated bots, are generating SMS traffic.
- Limit Destination Countries: In our SMS-Gateway control panel, you can block or limit the amount of traffic to specific countries. By default, we restrict the flow rate to many high-risk countries. However, if your service only requires traffic to a select few countries, it's advisable to block or limit access to all others.
- Monitor and limit conversion rates: One-time passcodes (OTP) are often not used on the website afterward, and app download links are likely not clicked. By tracking and restricting the number of unconverted messages sent, you increase the chances of preventing SMS pumping.
- Monitor SMS Traffic: Regularly analyze SMS traffic patterns for unusual spikes or anomalies. Early detection can prevent significant financial loss.
- Set Usage Limits: Implement limits on the number of SMS messages that can be sent or received in a given period, especially to international numbers.