The text message scam attempts to trick people with the promise of a “free gift.”
HARTFORD, Conn. — The Better Business Bureau (BBB) is warning residents about a texting scam on the rise recently.
The BBB said in a release BBB Scam Tracker has received numerous reports of a text message scam that attempts to trick people with the promise of a “free gift.”
Mobile phone users get a text message that says something to the effect of “Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here’s a little gift for you.” A link to an unfamiliar website is included.
There is no information as to what bill was paid, what company the message is coming from, or what the total amount was. In addition, the message may be a group text sent to a dozen or more other people, none of whom are in your contacts list.
The BBB said the text isn’t from a real company. The scammers’ goal is to get people’s personal information, which puts them at risk for identity theft. Consumers may also be directed to a website asking them to “confirm your identity,” to receive the gift. Scammers may also ask for credit card information, claiming an extra payment of a few dollars is needed to ship the “free” gift.
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