WATCH out for five text messages that signal you’re being targeted by a dangerous bank-raiding attack.
Security professionals have revealed the seemingly innocent texts and emails that carry a dark (and costly) secret.
3
These “phishing” scams turn up via text messages on your iPhone or Android, in your email inbox, and sometimes over the phone too.
And they work by deceiving you into thinking you’re receiving an official message – but it’s just a ploy to get your private info or money.
Often these scams take similar forms, as it’s more convenient for cyber-crooks to target large numbers of people with the same con.
Now security giant McAfee has revealed some of the most common “introductions” to scams, so you can watch out for them.
Read more on cybersecurity
McAfee’s Amy Bunn warned that they’re getting “tougher to spot”.
“They seem like they come from companies you know and trust, like your bank, your credit card company, or services like Netflix, PayPal, and Amazon,” Amy explained.
“And some of them look convincing. The writing and the layout are crisp, and the overall presentation looks professional.
“Yet still, there’s still something off about them.”
One of the first steps to staying safe is knowing what a scam might look like.
So if you receive any of McAfee’s common scam messages, it’s best to block and report the sender immediately.
These are the five example texts that McAfee shared:
- “You’ve won our cash prize drawing! Send us your banking information so we can deposit your winnings!”
- “You owe back taxes. Send payment immediately using this link or we will refer your case to law enforcement.”
- “We spotted what might be unusual activity on your credit card. Follow this link to confirm your account information.”
- “There was an unauthorized attempt to access your streaming account. Click here to verify your identity.”
- “Your package was undeliverable. Click the attached document to provide delivery instructions.”
Of course, a phishing scam could take many different forms – so these aren’t the only ways you might be conned.
But they’ll usually make a similar claim that you have won a prize, owe some money, or need to take an urgent action on an account.
3
You should ignore these texts, and never use any contact details provided in the message.
If you want to check whether a message is legitimate, contact the organisation using their details on the official website.
Using contact details in the message risks leading you straight into the scammer’s trap – and then it can go wring very quickly.
“Once the hook gets set, several things might happen,” Amy explained.
EXTRA TIPS TO STAY SAFE
McAfee offered up these helpful tips…
Go straight to the source – if you’re being asked for money or info by an organisation, contact that brand directly using their official website.
Follow up with the sender – if a friend and family is asking you for money, check in with them through another means. In person is always best. Consider setting up a safe word or phrase with them in advance.
Don’t download attachments – unless it’s a file that you know you need, don’t just click random attachments that come via text or email.
Hover over links – by hovering a mouse cursor over a link in an email, you can see the address without clicking it. This could save you from going to a dodgy site.
Picture Credit: McAfee / Amy Bunn
“That phony login page may steal account and personal information. Or that malware might install keylogging software that steals information, viruses that open a back door through which data can get hijacked.
“Or ransomware that holds a device and its data hostage until a fee is paid.”
McAfee warned that the scammers will try to play on your emotions, and get you to act urgently.
The aim is to get you to make decisions without thinking them through.
3
So always be extra vigilant if you receive unsolicited messages, especially if they’re asking for money or information.
