A new scam is being circulated among consumers, targeting their cell phones.
The scam works like this: You get a text message telling you that your cell number has been drawn in a lottery, and in order to claim your prize, you must send your name, address and e-mail to a given e-mail address. The text promises thousands of dollars in prize money.
Before you reply, you should remember that messages that indicate you are a lottery winner are false. Whatever information is asked for, don’t be fooled. Keep in mind that you can’t win a lottery that you haven’t entered.
If you provide your information, even the most basic bits of info can be misused. A thief can take your personal information and use it to apply for credit cards, loans, apartments, cell phones, utilities, jobs and even commit crimes – all while using your good name.
If there is a link within the text, don’t click on it. These links often contain malware, which can infect your device and steal your personal information.
The scammers are also sending texts claiming you’ve won free prizes, and asking you to pay service charges to a given account in order to receive your prize. There are also texts used by fraudsters that look like they’re from a legitimate bank. These claim to be security upgrade procedures, and ask you to “verify” your password and account numbers.
Scammers are also sending texts claiming to be your cell phone service provider, also asking for account numbers and other personal information.
If you receive a text such as any of those described here, report it to the police immediately.
