How do I stay safe from phishing SMS using the name 'OKX'?
As digital fraud becomes more advanced, scammers are finding increasingly deceptive ways to target users. One of the latest methods involves phishing SMS messages that appear to come from OKX—a legitimate and trusted platform. These fake messages are not only misleading in content, but also dangerously convincing in appearance, often showing up in the same SMS thread as our real communications.
Below, you'll find a breakdown of how these scams operate, why they’re so effective, and what steps you can take to protect yourself and your digital assets.
What’s happening?
We’ve recently seen a rise in reports from users receiving fraudulent SMS messages with “OKX” as the sender name. These phishing messages are crafted to look official and may contain urgent alerts.Scammers use these tactics to create a sense of urgency and panic, pushing users to act quickly without verifying the information.
Why are these messages so convincing?
Due to limitations in SMS technology, sender names can be easily spoofed. This means fraudulent messages can appear right alongside your real OKX alerts—such as those for login activity or withdrawals—making it difficult to tell the difference at first glance.This manipulation of SMS sender ID is what makes these phishing attempts particularly dangerous and effective.
How does phishing SMS work?
The primary aim of these scams is to trick you into handing over sensitive information—like your account login details, passkey, or verification codes—to lure you into clicking on malicious links that redirect you to our fake websites built to steal your data.In some instances, the message might provide a fake “customer support” number. If you call it, you’ll be connected to someone impersonating our agent who may then guide you through a bogus account verification process—ultimately leading to loss of access to your wallet.
First example of phishing SMS; these aren't legitimate OKX messages, and responding to them could result in account takeover or asset loss.
Second example of phishing SMS
Third example of phishing SMS
How can I protect myself?
It’s essential to remain cautious and informed. Here are a few simple but powerful steps you can take to stay safe:
What I should do:
Always verify information directly through the OKX app or official website. Avoid relying solely on SMS.
Turn on Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) to strengthen your account’s security.
Monitor your login activity in the app regularly for any suspicious devices or IP addresses.
Save and use only the official OKX website (https://www.okx.com/) and download the app from verified app stores.
If something seems off, contact OKX support through the app for official assistance.
What I should NOT do:
Don’t click on links from suspicious or unexpected SMS messages.
Don’t call phone numbers from SMS messages unless you’ve confirmed their legitimacy through official sources.
Don’t share your password, 2FA codes, or wallet keys with anyone—even if they claim to be from OKX.
Don’t download apps, extensions, or wallets from unknown or unofficial sources.
As scammers adopt more sophisticated methods, staying alert and informed is your best line of defense. Even experienced users can be caught off guard if they're not careful.
Always remember:
OKX will never ask you to call a number or click a link in an SMS to verify your account.
When in doubt, pause and check through the official OKX app or website. A few moments of caution could protect everything in your account.
Stay safe and informed.
You can check the authenticity of our channels here or if you have any questions, reach out to OKX’s official support—we're here to help.