If you receive an SMS that seems suspicious, it's best not to click on any links it contains. Clicking could lead to the installation of malicious software or direct you to phishing websites designed to steal personal information. In France, users are advised to forward such messages to the national reporting number 33700. Before forwarding, delete the message to avoid accidentally clicking on any links again. To report, open the SMS in the Messages app, use the "Forward" option, and enter 33700 as the recipient. A confirmation will be sent once the report is successfully submitted. SMS fraud often uses psychological tactics like creating a sense of urgency, invoking fear, or exploiting trust. In 2026, common scams included fake messages about pending packages, bank alerts, tax refunds, traffic fines, and support from mobile operators. These messages often include links that look like official pages or ask for sensitive information such as bank details or login credentials. Scammers use these tactics to trick users into revealing personal information or downloading harmful software. In France, several methods are available to report different types of scams. The number 33700 is used for fraudulent SMS and calls, Signal-Spam for fraudulent emails, and PHAROS for illegal websites. If a user suffers financial loss, they should file a formal complaint along with a report on the government website cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Both Android and iOS devices offer native anti-spam filters through Google Messages and iMessage settings. These filters use machine learning and anonymous verification, but they cannot completely block malicious links, so users should remain cautious. If a user accidentally clicks on a malicious link, they should not enter any personal information. If necessary, they should change their passwords, contact their bank, uninstall any suspicious apps, and disconnect from Wi-Fi and mobile data. All incidents should be reported on cybermalveillance.gouv.fr. Additional protection can be provided by mobile security apps such as Bitdefender Mobile Security, Norton Mobile Security, Avast Mobile Security, and Avira Antivirus Security. These apps vary in detection capabilities, features, and performance, with some offering free versions and others requiring subscriptions. Microsoft Defender is available on Android and iOS but has limited functionality on iOS without a Microsoft 365 subscription. To effectively combat smishing, users should systematically report suspicious messages to 33700, enable native anti-spam filters, and use updated mobile security apps. Vigilance is the first line of defense, especially when messages create urgency, ask for payments, or include clickable links. If unsure, users should verify the message directly with the relevant organization through its official contact channels.