Beware spate of “free gift” text scams from AT&T, Verizon

Phone users should be aware of a spate of scam text messages claiming they are being rewarded a “little gift” or compensation due to a lack of phone signal.

The text messages will appear to come from a reputable telecommunications company such as AT&T or Verizon.

Examples of these phishing text messages can be seen below.

AT&T Free Msg: Sorry for the coverage issues on September 13, ! Here’s a little gift.
LINK REMOVED

AT&T Free Msg: Sorry for the signal down time on September 16. Here’s a little gift: LINK REMOVED

Verizon Free Msg: Sorry for the signal issues on Sept 15, ! Here’s a little compensation.
Link REMOVED

Other similar scams also claim a gift is being sent to the recipient in return for paying their last bill, as per below.

AT&T Free Msg: August bill processed. Thanks,! Here’s a little something for you.
LINK REMOVED

The text messages may include the recipient’s name, meaning the crooks may be using leaked data – possibly from a previous data breach – to match up phone numbers with the names of their owners. This allows the text scams to appear far more convincing.

The links in these messages will lead to spoof phishing websites that appear to look like the website of the telecommunications company. Any details entered into these sites, including login information and banking information, is sent straight to the cybercrooks who sent out the fake text messages. This will likely allow the crooks to access your information and possibly even commit identity theft.

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Always try and avoid clicking on links in text messages, since these are likely to take you to spoof websites designed to scam you. If you do click a link, always check the web address of the webpage you’re directed to, to see if it is a legitimate website. If you’re not sure, never enter your information into it, since this information can be stolen.

And always remember that unexpected text messages offering freebies, or texts that appear too good to be true, are more likely to be scams. You can get more information on avoiding text message scams in our article here.

Finally, you can report scam texts by forwarding them to 7726 if you’re in the UK, Canada, New Zealand or the United States.