Web3 Security: Preventing SMS Spoofing Attacks
Main Takeaways
SMS spoofing is a type of attack that relies on scammers sneaking fake text messages into the same thread as official SMS from trusted brands or organizations.
The threat is that these lookalike messages can trick you into calling fake hotlines or handing over sensitive information, potentially leading to the loss of funds.
Stay safe by verifying all messages, setting up your Anti-Phishing Code, and keeping up with the latest scam tactics.
Same sender. Same thread. Different intentions. Scammers have found a new way to sneak into your SMS threads, and it’s alarmingly convincing. A new wave of phishing attacks is targeting Binance users by spoofing official SMS – making scam messages appear inside the same conversation thread as legitimate Binance alerts. These messages may look real, feel familiar, and carry the same trusted sender ID, but they’re anything but safe.
In this article, we’ll break down how SMS spoofing works, share real examples of recent phishing attempts, and walk you through the steps you can take to protect your account – so you don’t fall for a fake that looks too real to ignore.
What is SMS Spoofing?
SMS spoofing makes it harder to identify fraudulent messages, increasing the risk of deception and loss of funds. Here’s how this scam can unfold:
The Disguise: The victim receives an SMS about suspicious account activity, appearing to come from a trusted provider like Binance. Because SMS systems group messages from what appears to be the same sender, the fake alert blends in with legitimate texts, making it seem authentic. The message urges the victim to take some action, for example, call a number to "secure" their accounts.
The Trap: Once the victim calls, scammers instruct him/her to move funds to a “safe” wallet – one that is actually controlled by the scammers. They provide a seed phrase via email, another SMS, a fake website, or even during the call. Believing his/her funds are secure, the victim makes the transfer, only for the scammers to immediately drain the wallet.
For a deeper dive into this threat, check out Web3 Wallet Security: Steer Clear of Fake Wallet Apps and Smishing.
The Tech Behind the Trick
1. Exploiting weak SMS gateways
Some SMS gateways – the systems responsible for delivering texts – have security flaws. Scammers exploit these weaknesses to change the sender ID, making their phishing messages appear as if they’re coming from an official source.
2. Faking Sender IDs via Internet-Based Messaging (VoIP)
VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is typically used for calls and texts sent over the internet. Unlike regular SMS, VoIP systems let users customize the sender number or name – a feature scammers exploit.
Hence, scammers can masquerade as Binance by inputting our official number as the sender. When the message is delivered to your phone, it may slide right into the same SMS thread as real Binance messages – making it feel more authentic.
3. Abusing legitimate SMS channels through shady providers
Some SMS providers have direct partnerships with mobile operators to send out mass business texts (like OTPs and alerts). When scammers collude with unethical providers, they gain access to these high-trust channels. The provider helps inject fake sender info into the message before it’s sent. This bypasses standard verification steps and reduces the chance that the fake SMS gets blocked.
Real-life Examples
A Binance user named Jack received a text message that looked real. It appeared in the same SMS thread as previous official Binance messages and warned him of suspicious logins from multiple cities. The message urged him to call a specific number if it wasn’t him behind the logins.
Trusting the message, Jack called. Not long after, he received an official password reset email from Binance. Unbeknownst to Jack, the email was maliciously triggered by the scammers – simply clicking “Reset Password” on the login page – to add pressure and make their story more convincing. By timing it just right, they made Jack believe his account was truly under attack.
On the call, a scammer posing as a Binance employee shared with Jack a recovery seed phrase purportedly linked to his Binance account and urged him to quickly transfer his funds to the wallet associated with this seed phrase to keep his funds safe. What Jack didn’t know was that the seed phrase had been created by the scammer and associated with the wallet the criminal controlled rather than linked to Jack’s real account. If he followed through, the funds would go straight into the scammer’s wallet.
The spoofed SMS was designed to get Jack to make the call. Once on the line, the scammers didn’t know his password – so they triggered a real password reset request to make their story feel more convincing. It was a psychological play: ramp up urgency, mimic what could credibly be Binance representatives’ behavior, and pressure the user into acting fast. That’s why these messages are dangerous: they look authentic, they feel urgent, and they prey on trust.
How to Protect Yourself
Everything Stays on the Platform
All account activity, security alerts, and support actions happen within the Binance app or official website – nowhere else. If an SMS asks you to call a number or click a sketchy link, stop – it's a scam! If in doubt, use Binance Verify to double-check any link, email, or contact.
Set Up Your Anti-Phishing Code
This 8-character code appears in every official email or notification from Binance, helping you confirm it’s legit. If it’s missing, think twice. Don’t have one yet? Set it up now!
Stay Informed, Stay Ahead
Scammers are always cooking up new tricks – but knowledge is your first, and best, line of defense. Stay sharp by following Binance Risk Sniper on Square, where we break down the latest scams, account takeover tactics, and fraud trends in real time. To boost your scam-spotting skills, check out Binance Academy and our security blog series.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to online security, technology can only do so much – the rest comes down to you. Scammers thrive on confusion and urgency, but the more you know, the harder it is for them to fool you. At Binance, we’re committed to helping you stay one step ahead. From implementing 9 Levels of Anti-Scam Risk Control Measures to real-time scam updates on Binance Risk Sniper, we’ve got your back. But the most powerful shield? Knowledge – because when you’re aware, you’re in control.