A NEW text message scam has been targeting millions of Verizon users – here’s what you need to look out for.
If your phone carrier is Verizon, then you may fall victim to a new SMS phishing (or “smishing”) scam that aims to steal your personal information.
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Customers of Visible, Verizon’s mobile virtual network operator, have also reported receiving scam-like messages.
The fraudulent text initially purports itself as a user’s bill carrier and then offers them a “gift” that can be accessed through a link.
Specifically, the SMS states: “Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here’s a little gift for you.”
Some users found that the attached link leads to Russian websites, and in some cases, the state-owned media outlet Channel One Russia, according to The Verge.
Given that the White House recently warned about Russia conducting cyberattacks against the US, many think this to be especially spooky.
What’s more, a number of people have reported that the text is coming from their own phone number.
While the text is not actually being generated by someone’s personal device, a tactic known as “spoofing” makes it seem that way.
Spoofing is a scam in which threat actors camouflage themselves as a known, trusted source to try to obtain financial details and/or sensitive information.
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Verizon has yet to officially comment on the smishing scam that’s sweeping their customer’s devices.
However, it seems that they have been replying to users on a case-by-case basis, according to reports on Twitter.
What to do if you receive the text message
If you receive an SMS message of this nature, it doesn’t mean that your phone number has been compromised, so don’t panic.
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You can respond with a few options: Delete the text, forward it to SPAM (7726), or file a complaint with the FCC.
Experts advise to never click on any links attached to texts from unknown or suspicious senders.
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