HOW DO TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS WORK?

You receive a message from an unknown number (or sometimes a ‘spoofed’ number created fraudulently so it looks like a real company such as Amazon or Microsoft).  The message creates a sense of urgency to frighten you and make you act quickly without thinking properly.  The scammer then tries to get you to respond – click on a link or call a number where they get the opportunity to extract personal information or payment from you.

8 TEXT MESSAGE SCAMS TO WATCH OUT FOR

1. A message from FEDEX or UPS with a tracking code claims your package is waiting for you and needs to be rescheduled – if you click on the link you will be asked for personal information in order to get your package delivered.
2. You receive a message claiming to be from someone you know. Scammers use your phone number and connect it to social media information to send a convincing message – often claiming to be in an emergency situation and needing urgent money transferred via cryptocurrency.
3. A message arrives claiming that, due to security concerns, your bank is closing your account – which makes you panic. If you ring the number in the text, or click on the link, it will not go to your bank.
4. You receive a text saying that you have won a prize: “Don’t wait, claim your prize now.” But if you click on the link, you won’t get a super holiday, new computer or cash prize – scammers will request personal information and they often ask you to pay a fee to ‘claim your prize’ which will never materialise.
5. A text arrives saying your debit or credit card has been locked – asking you to click a link to unblock your card. If you want to check, ring the number on the back of your card.
6. One of the weirdest texts is one from your own number thanking you for paying a bill and offering a gift as a thank-you – you need to click the link to claim it. Think before you act.
7. A text claims that a subscription payment has been declined and your account is locked. Any unsolicited text message from a subscription service like Netflix or Disney is a potential scam.  Don’t respond or click on the link, log in to the official website to check your account.
8. Texts refer to an order you have made and advise: ‘a payment of £499 will be deducted from your card – if this is not you – call us – or reply NO to cancel.’ This can cause panic but if you stop to think you will realise this is a scam.

 

WHAT TO DO

Forward the message to or then delete it.

Find the official website on Google and put in the tracking number to see if it’s a real delivery.

Ring the company – or the person to verify the message is from them.

Don’t reply STOP to suspicious messages – you are just telling the scammer that this is an active number and you’re likely to get more scam texts.

Always update personal information by logging in to a firm’s official website, never from a text message.

 

If you have been affected by a scam – help is out there – Victim Support has a free confidential helpline 0808 168 9111.  Report any scams to  www.actionfraud.police.uk  Find details of recent scams here: www.actionfraud.police.uk and on our Facebook page: Rainford-it -stay safe online.

Published in the January edition of The Whitchurch Gossip