Smishing Is the Tax-Time Cyber Threat You Didn’t See Coming

Smishing Is the Tax-Time Cyber Threat You Didn’t See ComingTax season is already a time of high stress and paperwork. But in 2025, there's another problem sneaking into inboxes, smishing scams. These aren’t just annoying. They’re dangerous, and businesses in Austin and across Central Texas are being targeted.

The Hidden Risk: Why Smishing Is So Effective

Smishing (SMS phishing) tricks people into clicking on malicious links in text messages. These messages often appear to be from legitimate agencies, like the IRS or state tax authorities, and use scare tactics or refund promises to get you to act fast.

And that’s exactly the point: they want you to move fast, not think.

If your employees click one of these links:

  • They could hand over personal or banking information

  • Malware could infect your business network

  • Your company could face financial loss or even legal exposure

CTTS: Your Trusted Guide Against Smishing and Phishing Threats

At CTTS, we understand how fast a single smishing incident can spiral. That’s why we offer:

  • Spam filtering and SMS security tools

  • Security awareness training for your team

  • Real-time phishing protection across devices

  • Local, fast support when something feels off

We’re not just here to fix the mess—we help you prevent it.

5 Practical Tips to Stay Smishing-Safe This Tax Season

  1. Educate your team - Train them to recognize urgent, suspicious messages

  2. Don’t click links in texts from unknown sources

  3. Verify with a second channel - If it claims to be from the IRS, go directly to their site

  4. Use a mobile threat defense solution

  5. Report anything suspicious - Don’t ignore strange messages

Ready to Lock Down Your Devices?

If your business hasn’t talked about smishing yet, now is the time. Don’t wait until someone clicks the wrong link.

👉 Schedule a free strategy session with CTTS and find out how to protect your team, your data, and your bottom line.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What’s the difference between phishing and smishing?
Phishing typically uses email. Smishing uses text messages, but the goal is the same: to trick you into giving up sensitive data.

Q2: Is this just happening in California?
No, scammers are using the same techniques in Texas and across the nation.

Q3: What can CTTS do to help?
We offer protection tools, employee training, and 24/7 monitoring to help prevent and respond to smishing attacks.


Contact CTTS today for IT support and managed services in Austin, TX. Let us handle your IT so you can focus on growing your business. Visit CTTSonline.com or call us at (512) 388-5559 to get started!