Real or fake? Text scammers are ramping up

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 01/02/2021 (1875 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

In these unparalleled times, people and organizations are taking unparalleled actions. That’s why it’s easier to believe a text message from a trusted streaming service, making you a special offer.

In the middle of winter, at a time in which people are being actively encouraged to stay home, it could make sense that Netflix would offer a few months or a year of free service. Some TV stations have waived fees to out-of-market subscriptions, some restaurants have reduced delivery fees, and some cities have reworked parking rules and tickets.

But clicking on the link to inquire about this seemingly benevolent offer could cost you. If you sign up, the ‘company’ will charge your credit card repeatedly, and you won’t receive any service, as it actually has nothing to do with Netflix. It’s a group of scammers.

So how can you tell the difference between legitimate and fake SMS offers?

First — ask yourself if you have ever signed up to receive this company’s messages. Even if you are an existing customer, you often have to opt in to receive communication in this way. Second — double-check the offer. Look up the company’s actual contact information online and connect with it to see if the offer is real.

If you click on a link you think is legitimate, or if you’re searching the company to double-check an offer, closely examine the website. Be sure to look for the lock icon on the web address bar. Some scammers can effectively imitate companies’ websites. In one case, a customer thought he was calling Apple Support and allowed them to take control of his computer to “perform necessary maintenance.”

If you get a text you weren’t expecting, don’t comply with instructions to text back “STOP” or “NO.” Scammers may be trying to see if your number is active. You should simply block the number instead.
The ‘one-year of free service’ from Netflix scam has become a popular one. If you get a message like this, Netflix recommends you change your password for its service, even if you don’t fall for the scam. Netflix also says you should change your password on all websites where you use the same username/password combination.

If you ever receive a message that you’re unsure of, you can follow the steps above and check the Better Business Bureau’s ScamTracker at www.bbb.org/scamtracker to get more information and see the scams targeting your area.

For more information about your BBB and how they can help, visit www.bbb.org

 — Trade-mark of the International Association of Better Business Bureaus used under licence.