Unveiling deception: a socio-economic analysis of smishing attacks on mobile money transaction users

Aaron Zimba (), Katongo Phiri, Chimanga Kashale and Mwiza Phiri
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Aaron Zimba: ZCAS University, Department of Computer Science
Katongo Phiri: ZCAS University, Department of Information Technology Systems
Chimanga Kashale: ZCAS University, Department of Computer Science
Mwiza Phiri: ZCAS University, Department of Information Technology Systems

Humanities and Social Sciences Communications, 2025, vol. 12, issue 1, 1-14

Abstract: Abstract Smishing attacks leverage social engineering tactics to defraud mobile money users. This study investigates the socio-economic impact of smishing on mobile money users in Zambia based on different parameters. We analysed data from 377 users to assess associations between demographics (age, gender, location), mobile money usage, mobile network operator (MNO) type, financial aspects, and smishing encounters. Using logistic regression models, we examined the influence of demographic factors, mobile money usage, motives, and smishing message characteristics on users’ awareness and experiences of smishing attacks. Our findings indicate that age, gender, and location do not significantly affect smishing awareness (all p-values > 0.254), and smishing attacks are pervasive across all mobile network operators. Contrary to expectations, mobile money usage and MNO type were not linked to encountering smishing messages (both p-values > 0.793). The primary motive behind these attacks is financial gain, with users who received smishing messages being 19.47 times more likely to identify financial motives as the attacker’s intent (p-value

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1057/s41599-025-06141-8

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