We take a look at four text messages scams that have been spreading during the coronavirus outbreak.
Scammers have wasted little time exploiting the coronavirus outbreak for their own gain. We have seen a surge of spammy text messages trying to trick recipients into handing over sensitive information, putting them at risk of theft and identity fraud.
A number of scam text messages claim that the recipient has received a tax rebate due to the coronavirus. A number of different variants of these text messages have spread, especially in the UK.
Such messages claim recipients must click a link to apply for their rebate. However these links lead to phishing websites that steal any information entered into them.
As a result of the current Coronavirus outbreak, we have been forced to issue you with the full amount of your current tax refund. You currently have a pending tax refund of up to £388.67GBP. Please follow the link to calculate your claim.
Similar to the above, many text messages claim the recipient is due money from a government relief program, and that recipients should click an attached link to claim their money. We have seen messages from various countries, especially once again the UK, come also Canada.
It is likely that many countries will have their own tailored version of this type of scam.
Examples below.
Versions in Canada quote the “Canada Relief Fund”.
Alert: The emergency response benefit of Canada relief fund has sent you a deposit for $1375.50. See, https://emergencycanadaresponse.xyz. Data rates may apply.
Again, UK versions claim to come from the UK Government and the HMRC.
URGENT: The UKGOV has issued a payment of £258 to all residents as part of its promise to battle COVID-19. TAP here https://uk-covid-19-relieve.com to apply.
As Part of the NHS promise to battle the COV-10 virus, HMRC has issued a payment of £258 as a goodwill payment. Follow link to apply.
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Many fake text messages are claiming to come from various online services offering free passes during the coronavirus outbreak. Most noticeably, texts (and WhatsApp messages) are purporting to come from Netflix.
While many companies are reducing costs or offering free temporary passes, none of spamming them through SMS or WhatsApp. Such messages are likely to lead to phishing websites that will try and steal your login information.
Examples that claim to be from Netflix (who are not offering free passes) are below.
Due to the CoronaVirus pandemic worldwide, Netflix is giving some free pass for their platform during the period of isolation. Run on the site cause it will end quick!
Because of the COVID-19 outbreak we will give out 3 months of Netflix Premium to keep you entertained. Go to flix2years33.xyz/9VMsJHjU1j
These scam text message has been prolific especially in the UK. The messages claim the recipient has been fined for leaving their house multiples times. The messages are NOT from the UK government, and we are not aware of any government across the world notifying residents of fines through a text message.
Such messages could potentially lead to phishing websites, so the best advice is to simply ignore them.
Examples of such messages that spread in the UK are below.
We would like to inform you that you have been recorded as leaving your home on 3 occasions yesterday. A fine of £35 had been added to your gov.uk account. For further information please visit gov.uk/coronavirus-penalty-payment-tracking. Protect the NHS. Save lives.
GOV.UK ALERT
CORONAVIRUS
It has come to our attention that you have been out of the house more than once. Due to this irresponsible behaviour, we are issuing you a formal warning and £250 fine. If this continues, the fine could increase to a maximum of £5000 and/or an arrest. Payment will be taken automatically out of your account. Call 0800 345 999 for any enquiries or to appeal.
GOV.UK CORONAVIRUS ALERT You have been fined £3,550.73 for leaving your property without reason
With all of the above text messages, the best advice is to ignore and delete them and never click any links they may include. All of the above message may also come in the form of social media (including WhatsApp) messages or emails.