Scams 2022: Warning issued as shoppers hit with fake delivery texts | Personal Finance | Finance
This warning is issued by UK Finance which has noticed that online shoppers are being targeted by scammers during some of the busiest shopping months of the year. According to data from cybersecurity firm Proofpoint, more than half of all reported “smishing” text messages said they came from parcel and parcel delivery companies. “Smishing” is the name given to phishing scams that use communication via cell phones, such as texting, to target innocent people.
Buyers can report fraudulent text messages by forwarding communication to SMS support number 7726, which is operated by Proofpoint.
Fraudulent SMS messages regarding fake parcel deliveries accounted for 55.94% of smishing frauds in the last quarter of 2021, up from 16.37% the previous year.
Jacinta Tobin, VP of Cloudmark Operations for Proofpoint, provided crucial advice to buyers who are hesitant to receive such messages via SMS.
Ms Tobin said: “Consumers must be very skeptical of mobile messages from unknown sources.
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“And it’s important to never click on links in text messages, no matter how realistic they seem.
“If you want to contact the purported supplier by sending you a link, do so directly through their website and always manually enter the web address / URL.
“For the offer codes, also enter them directly on the site. It is also essential that you do not reply to texts that are strange or from unknown sources. This will often confirm that you are a real person to future crooks.
Katy Worobec, Managing Director of Economic Crime at UK Finance, stressed the importance for consumers to become more aware of the risks posed by scammers.
The crime expert cited the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign, which is part of a national effort to educate the public on how to best protect themselves against scams.
Particularly over Christmas and New Years, Take Five highlights how scammers tend to operate and take advantage of busy shopping times, such as the January sales.
Ms. Worobec said, “Whether you’re shopping online or expecting deliveries during the holiday season, it’s important to be on the lookout for scams.
“Always follow the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign advice and stop and think before you part with your information or your money. “
On its website, the campaign’s advice to consumers reads: “Stop – taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could protect you.”
“Challenge: Could this be wrong? You can reject, decline or ignore any request. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.
“Protect: contact your bank immediately if you think you have fallen into the trap and report it to Action Fraud. “
Anyone who believes they have been the target of an SMS scam is encouraged to contact Action Fraud to report their case.
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