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哥伦布、匹兹堡及各地消息
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Texts with surprise offers may be scams
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By: Better Business Bureau Serving Greater Cleveland
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Better Business Bureau
(BBB) is warning people in Northeast Ohio about a scam with many new
reports in the area. In this scam, people received unrequested texts
offering discounts, gifts, and free offers. These texts are not real
or from the company they say they are from. If you click the link in
the text, you are usually asked to pay to receive your offer or are
asked to submit personal information. The scammers who sent the text
then take your money or personal info and you never receive your
offer or gift. Scammers often pretend to be well-known companies
like Walmart, Amazon, Costco, and USPS to make their texts seem
real. These are some examples of text messages that consumers have
received:
● “COVID-19 REFUND. VERIZON COMPANY is giving out $950 to all users
of our Verizon service, If yes kindly text your Verizon”
● “Due to the pandemic, Hulu is giving everyone a free 1-year
subscription to help you stay at home. Get yours here [link].
● "AT&T... Sorry for the coverage issues... Here's a little gift:
[link]"
Better Business Bureau offers these tips to help you recognize these
scams:
● Be careful of messages from unknown senders. If you haven’t given
a company permission to text you, it’s probably a scam. Many
companies may ask to text you offers, but they won’t send them
unless you give the company permission.
● Don’t click links from strangers. Scammers often send shortened
links that don’t let you see where they really lead in their text
message. If you click the link, you could be directed to a dangerous
website, or you could download software onto your device.
● Contact the company directly before you accept an offer. If you
are really hoping the deal is real, go to the company’s official
website and send them an email, or call to inquire. The company can
let you know if the deal is real or not.
● Install antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices.
This kind of scam can come from text messages or emails. Antivirus
software can scan for malware and alert you before you open a
suspicious website link.
● Report the messages. Help fight fraud by forwarding suspicious
messages to the company who is being impersonated. You can also
report scams to BBB.org/ScamTracker.
Questions? Reach out to your BBB at 216.413.5232 or email mybbb@cleveland.bbb.org.
For more news and tips visit BBB.org. |
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