What is SMS/OTP Bombing? – How to prevent it?

SMS or OTP scams have become a common sight in the world of digital fraud. So what is SMS/OTP Bombing?

You may have commonly heard, a person’s bank account is cleared or looted just because they clicked on the OTP sent via SMS or by simply opening an SMS. How scary, isn’t it? Such frauds have been on the rise since OTPs have become a crucial part of verification. Who could even think you may be cheated on just because of an OTP or an SMS?

Many people may not take this seriously, but scammers have been using this trick or tactic very efficiently, and the targets face a huge loss. Thus, taking this digital crime seriously is crucial.

What is SMS/OTP Bombing?

SMS Bombing is a technique used to send multiple SMS or OTPs to a specific number or user through automated message bombers or services. This overflow of messages can cause disruptions, so much so that sometimes the phone might crash altogether, or it may lag.

The constant notifications sent from these SMS bombers can cause cell service interference, too. The communication can also be disturbed. This situation is often stressful for the receiver, and the risk factor is also extremely high. It is considered a malicious, illegal, and harmful activity.

How would you know that you are a part of SMS/OTP bombing?

What are the signs of SMS/OTP Bombing? Here are some signs,

• You may suddenly receive a flood of text messages that may or may not contain OTPs from an unknown number.

• First, it may seem like a mistake or a harmless prank. But the frequency of messages that would be something to worry about.

• The phone would not stop buzzing due to the continuous notifications. The number of messages is not normal, as it can reach a hundred or a thousand messages in minutes.

• This can also harm the other services of your phone.

• This can result in a battery hog faster than usual.

• Your phone might start lagging→Slow down → or altogether stop working in extreme cases.

• This is not only infuriating but poses a threat.

What is the mechanism of SMS/OTP Bombing?

SMS/OTP Bombing is an operation where a randomly chosen number is bombarded with automated text messages. It starts with,

Target selection → Use of SMS bomber tool → Exploitation of system → Sending floods of text messages

How is it a threat, or can it be a concern for the receiver?

It is a concern as these SMS bomber tools are easily accessible in the digital market. These applications are not available on app stores, yet they can be easily accessed through the websites. Once a number starts receiving these automated SMS or text messages, it can disrupt the system of phone system and can create an issue for receiving legitimate OTPs or important messages.

This can also cause financial harm to businesses. These text messages are also a potential harm to the receiver’s privacy.

How to prevent SMS/OTP Bombing?

Here are a few simple ways this can be prevented or stopped,

•Conscious sharing or limited sharing of your number

Avoid or limit sharing your phone number in public or for public use. If you share it publicly, make sure that the services are trustworthy where it is being shared.

•Enabling Multi-Factor Authentication

Enabling multi-factor authentication includes using authenticator apps. Inclusion of hardware security keys can also reduce the need to receive OTPs or SMSs.

•Enabling the Do Not Disturb Mode

Enabling the Do Not Disturb mode and changing notification management to reduce such SMSs can be helpful. You may choose to either silence these messages or notifications temporarily or permanently. This can help avoid the disturbance.

•Block and Report

If the annoyance is causing frustration, manually block this number. Using the block and report as spam option is the best. Choose this, and you will never have to receive texts at least from that particular number.

•Use Filtering Tools

There are certain built-in spam filters in your phone. If you are unable to find these, installing such apps from the app store that provide spam filter services can also be done. These apps are available for both Android and iOS. These apps can identify, filter, and block such unwanted numbers.

•Contacting your Mobile Carrier

Your service provider can also help you out in such cases. Report this SMS Bombing, and they may either block or investigate the number.

In Conclusion

Many people may not take this seriously, but scammers have been using this trick or tactic very efficiently, and the targets face a huge loss. Thus, taking this digital crime, SMS/OTP Bombing, seriously is crucial.