Better
Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina urges consumers to beware of scams
targeting cell phone users.
Posing as
bank employees, scam artists are sending text messages urging consumers to
contact them immediately about a “pressing issue” that needs to be discussed. Victims
of the scam are often asked to call a toll-free number and provide information,
such as their debit card or account number, to a fake automated system. Victims
have complained that they have received text messages claiming their bank
account is frozen with a toll-free number to call to clear things up.
Scam
artists are also contacting consumers to tell them they have won a gift card to
a well-known store. The scam artist often provides a phone number for the
consumers to call in order to claim their prize, or they tell the consumers to
reply to the text message. Once the consumers do this, they are asked for their
credit card number in order to pay for shipping and handling.
“Hackers
are looking for you to respond with vital information that can ultimately lead
to identity theft,” said Toby Barfield,
president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina.
“Cell phone scams have been around
for years, but are gaining in popularity as more and more people use texting as
a primary means of personal communication.”
BBB offers
the following advice to consumers who believe they have received a phony text
message:
Never reply to the text message.
Scam
artists are preying on victims who text back and thus verify that the text
message has been sent to an active cell phone user. If the message has a link
in it, never click it. Many scam artists use this as a way to spread a viral
attack on your phone.
Report the text message
immediately.
If you
believe you have fallen victim to this scam, call your bank. They will be able
to tell you for certain if the text message is legitimate. BBB also advises
consumers to call the company who claims to be offering the gift card directly,
to see if you have truly been awarded the prize.
Call your cell phone provider.
Your cell
phone provider will be able to block the scammer’s number, as well as any text
messages he may try to send you.
Contact BBB.
If you
receive a phony text message, contact BBB immediately to report the scam.
Contact the Federal Trade
Commission.
The FTC
works to legally prevent fraudulent business practices in the marketplace. File
a complaint with the FTC by calling 1-877-HELP.
For more information regarding common scams,
visit bbb.org.
