If you live in Illinois and are shopping for gifts online for a birthday, graduation, or even a wedding, be cautious with which websites you're giving your card information to.
Before we get into why you should be concerned and/or cautious about smishing, it might be a good idea to define the word for those who don't know a smish from a phish.
Of course it is. Because simply organizing, filling out, and filing your taxes isn't a big enough pain in the butt, we have tax scammers who are looking to tap into your funds and personal information.
You've got to appreciate consistency. In a world where things are constantly being disrupted, postponed, and cancelled, the people who prey on others sure aren't locking themselves down.
I know, I write about scams going around and through Rockford and the Rockford area quite a bit. The reason is pretty simple. I'm outraged by what scammers are doing to senior citizens, people who are barely getting by, young people, and families.
If you haven't received a phony email or text from someone purporting to be with the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), just be patient because you probably will.