Scammers are banking on their victims clicking a link sent directly to your cell phone.
A new scam has hit the area and you should be aware. Scammers create a fake FedEx delivery notification and send a text directly to your phone. The text includes a link. Clicking this link could lead to a fake website that is phishing for your information. Address, account passwords, etc could all be required to “provide information on an upcoming delivery.” Or the clicking the link itself could open your phone (and any information saved on it) to a digital intruder.
(An example of what the text might look like)
It is important to note that companies like Amazon, FedEx and more do use text notifications for deliveries. It is not uncommon, especially in a world where online shopping is so popular, that a customer could forget they were even expecting a delivery. Being a smart consumer means that if you do not recognize the shipment – your best bet is to go online and see if there was an order placed through your regular online stores.
Dr. Ed Peters is a Data Protection Expert from
www.datadiscoverysciences.com
and he shares some vital information on keeping your identity out of the hands of others.
An interesting point Dr. Peters makes is that your phone number may have been purchased on the dark web…or purchased perfectly legally on a legitimate website that houses information willingly given to sweepstakes or contest sign up forms.
When you are waiting for a carwash an see “WIN A $50,000 HOME MAKEOVER” and fill out a little piece of paper with your name, address, phone number and email…you gave this company all they need to put your information into a database and sell it to companies across the globe. Some want to sell you shampoo and some want to scam you. Think twice before putting the basic information on a form. A good company will note that they do not SELL or TRADE your information.
Additional content:
KFGO Podcast –
Stopping Fraud After a Vehicle/Home Break-In
KFGO Podcast –
Relief Effort Scams and Currency that isn’t Cash
KFGO Podcast –
Vishing with a “V”
KFGO Podcast –
Passwords are like…Underwear?
KFGO Podcast –
Fargo’s Fraud Squad: College Admissions Scam
KFGO Podcast –
Fargo’s Fraud Squad: Online Account Takeover
(Amy Iler & JJ Gordon are talk-show hosts at 790 AM KFGO in Fargo-Moorhead. “It Takes 2 with Amy & JJ” can be heard weekdays 11am-2pm. Check out the show page on
FACEBOOK.
Follow Amy on Twitter
@AmyKFGO
. Follow JJ on Twitter
@JJGodon701
.)