SMS Scams - how to spot them and protect yourself

This is a time when we should be working to support each other in unity. It is unfortunate to see many scammers and hackers trying to capitalise on people’s panic in the face of this serious public health situation. The UN’s World Health Organisation has already issued warnings alerting people to an increase in cyber-criminals disguising themselves as the WHO. They use emails, websites, phone calls, text messages and even faxes.

Here are 3 COVID-19 (Coronavirus) SMS scams to look out for:

 

 

 

1. Text messages claiming to come from known charities seeking donations or advertising giveaways

• Messages come from an unknown number
• Check links before opening them

 

 

 

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2. Text scams that claim to come from a government authority about COVID-19

• Messages come from a business name such as "GOV"
• Recipients are encouraged to delete these messages without opening them

 

 

 

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3. Any SMS messages capitalising on public fears and misinformation

• Messages contradicting information given out by government or world-recognised health authorities such as WHO or the CDC
• Messages that attempt to promise a cure, vaccine or leverage fears and misinformation for a sale or to encourage clicks to a malicious website
• Subscribe to real text alert systems in your local state or city to receive trusted updates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Read more about COVID-19 SMS Scams here

 

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How to protect yourself from an SMS Scam

 

With the rising number of SMS scams growing across the world, it’s important to us that you know how to protect yourself against them as they become more and more sophisticated. We’ve alerted you to the Top 3 SMS scams to look out for but it’s essential that you know what to do when you encounter them.

1. Verify the sender

• Search for the sending organisation online and contact them to find out if the message you've received is genuine
• Cross-check the website address of the organisation with the link you've been sent

 

2. Be careful clicking

• Many SMS scams include links to sites that will install malware on your device or to steal your personal info (e.g. bank details)
• If you don't implicitly trust the sender, don't click on any links in the message

 

3. Don't panic

• Do not feel pressure to act immediately - regardless of what the message says
• If you are concerned about the safety of your personal information, change ALL your passwords and sensitive information (e.g. email, social media, banking etc.)

 

4. Report it

• Find your local government authority or organisation such as Australia’s Scamwatch, and send in the following:
  • screen grabs from your mobile device
  • the phone number it came from
  • who they claimed to be
  • any other relevant information

 

You can view further reading on how to protect yourself from SMS scams during COVID-19 here