617.315.8515
Spoofed calls and texts are nothing new; we all face a constant deluge of spam calls that appear on caller ID as from a local number or unsolicited texts trying to sell us something or alert us of a sale.
The most recent scam text message is not much different, texting recipients that “they’ve paid their bill and can get a free gift by clicking a link., however, it is different because the text appears to be coming from your own number! Many of those who have reported clicking the link was forwarded to Russian websites. Spam texts like these are one of the many forms of phishing techniques that hackers use to gain access to sensitive information.
There have been numerous complaints and security experts along with Verizon are advising you not to click on any link in the message. The safest move is to never click on any unsolicited links that are sent to you out of the blue, even if it appears to come from someone you trust. Contact your source directly to confirm they sent the message.
a Verizon representative said in an emailed statement. “Our team is actively working to block these messages, and we have engaged with US law enforcement to identify and stop the source of this fraudulent activity.” The White House has also urged companies last week to encrypt their data because Russia may plan a cyberattack against the United States in response to sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine.
If you do receive a text like this, there’s no need for alarm. Simply forward the scam text to this number: 7726 and then delete it.
Braver Technology Solutions | WeMakeITWork@BraverTechnology.com
Boston 617.315.8515 | Providence 401.484.7900 | Taunton 508.824.2260
