Did you receive a text message from Vodafone directing you to click on a link to redeem unspent points? Beware! It’s a new scam launched by cybercriminals. Lately, lots of Vodafone users have received the text message which says; Hi from Vodafone; We’ve notice that the Vodafone points in your account (5340 points) will expire in 3 workingdays. please redeem the points for available rewards in time. Visit (link redacted) for moreinformation.
It’s obviously a smishing scam attempt as the text message has the following red flags;
- It doesn’t come from the numbers Vodafone use. You can verify the number with this Vodafone lookup tool here.
- Vodafone will never ask you to click on a link
- It contains grammatical errors (the words in bold letters)
How The Vodafone Points Scam Text Works
Like all scams, this text message scam (Smishing) is an attempt to defraud people. Clicking on the link in the text message takes victims to a spoofed Vodafone website that ask for credit card details for a small fee. People who provide their credit card info would become a victim of credit card fraud. The scammers would not only deduct the fake fee but would make huge withdrawals.
Also, mere clicking on the link could expose your mobile device to viruses, spywares, or malware. This is because the website could’ve a malware program running in the background. Malware is software that is installed on a computer without the user’s consent and that performs malicious actions, such as stealing passwords or money. Malware can be installed in a variety of ways, including through email attachments, drive-by downloads, or by clicking on links in malicious websites.
Here’s what to do If you received a scam text message;
- Don’t attempt to click on the link no matter how legit it looks. Clicking it would either direct you to a fraudulent website or install malware into your device.
- Block The Sender Number. You can do this by flagging the telephone number as spam.
- Delete The Text Message. Deleting the text message will prevent you from mistakenly replying or clicking on it.
Vodafone Response
Vodafone has addressed the scam and issued the following warning to customers via their website;
Please be aware of scam messages being sent to Vodafone customers using android devices. The message content relates to Vodafone points redemption scheme. Vodafone are not sending these messages and this is a scam – please DO NOT click on the link.
They further advise customers not to click on any links within the message and to forward any spam texts to 7726 – our free spam text reporting service.
What Victims of Vodafone Points Text Scam Should Do;
Inform Their Credit Card Company
If you provided your credit card details on this scam site, the first step you should take is calling your credit card company. They need to know that your card details have been compromised so as to closely monitor and prevent any unauthorized charges.
Place a Credit Freeze or Fraud Alert
Fraud alert is sort of like a two-factor authentication process for accessing your credit, whereas a credit freeze blocks anyone from accessing your credit — until you remove it. The credit freeze is the best option for you, if you know you wouldn’t be using the credit card anytime soon.
Scan Their Device with a Malware Checker Tool
There’s a likelihood that your device has been infested by malware or spyware after visiting the spoofed website. Scanning your device with a malware removal tool will detect and remove any viruses, spyware, or other malicious programs.
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Nora