Everyone loves a deal, including scammers. BBB is seeing a spike in the use of too good to be true discounts by con artists, who hope that price conscious consumers will jump on these "deals" without doing their research.
Consumers who recently shared reports of these attempts to BBB Scam Tracker noted that many of these scammers are impersonating well-known companies with claims of discounts or rebates, some of which are COVID-19 themed.
Here's how the scam works: You receive a text message that appears to be from a large, reputable company – which increases the possibility that it's one you've done business with. The message claims that due to the pandemic the company would like to help people out by offering them an amazing deal. These range from free or discounted services to gift cards and cash.
Some examples of text messages that consumers reported receiving using this ploy include:
- "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]"
These messages are coming from impersonators who likely don't know if you have ever been a customer of the business. They're casting a wide net and hoping to reel in folks who believe the text is authentic.
If you click the link, you may be prompted to log into a lookalike website that scammers use to get hold of your login ID and password. With that information, scammers can access your accounts and even make purchases using your saved payment methods. Or, they could be leading you to sites that contain malware or spyware.
While the latest BBB Scam Tracker reports often mention Hulu, Netflix, AT&T and Verizon, watch out for scammers impersonating other companies too. If one name stops being effective, they'll quickly switch to another company. For example, BBB has seen many reports of texts claiming to be from Walmart, Amazon, Costco, USPS and more.
How to avoid text message scams: Treat messages from unknown senders with caution. If you receive a message from a number you don't recognize, be careful. Many companies engage in SMS marketing, but keep in mind that consumers must opt in to receive messages. If you haven't given a company permission to text you, it's probably a scam.
Don't click on links from strangers. Scammers often send shortened links that don't let you see where they really lead in the body of their text message. If you click the link, you could be directed to a dangerous website, or you could download malware onto your device.
Confirm deals directly with the company before you accept. If you are really hoping the deal is legitimate, go to the company's official website and send them an email, or call them to confirm the offer. Be sure you call on a verified number for the company, not the one that appears on the text message. The authentic company can let you know if the deal is valid or not.
Install antivirus software on your computer and mobile devices. This kind of scam can come from text messages or emails, so make sure all your electronics are protected. Antivirus software can scan for malware and alert you before you open a malicious website link.
Alert the company. It will help them fight the problem. AT&T and Verizon are asking consumers to forward suspicious messages to 7726 (SPAM).
You can learn more by reading BBB's Tip on phishing scams and similar attempts claiming an offer of a discount on your utility bills.
If you've been the victim of a scam, please report it to BBB Scam Tracker. Your first-hand experience can help other consumers recognize scammers' tactics before it's too late.
Free document destruction, hard drive recycling, drug take back
In the meantime, please don't forget that your BBB will be partnering with local organizations to offer document shredding, hard drive destruction and drug take back services for free during October: (Please note that the onsite shredding will stop early if the trucks fill up):
- Friday, Oct. 15 in Hixson: 9 a.m. to noon at the Clear Creek Church of Christ, 5612 Hixson Pike
- Saturday Oct. 16 in Cleveland: 8 a.m. to noon at the Bradley County Justice Center 2230 Blythe Avenue SE. (Household Hazardous Waste Day event - BBB will only be offering shredding at this site)
- Saturday Oct. 30 in Chattanooga from 9 a.m. to noon at the Metro Tab Church 2101 Shepherd Rd (Intersection of Shepherd & Hwy 153)
For more information about our events, please visit bbb.org/Chattanooga or call our team at 423-266-6144.
Michele Mason is president of the Better Business Bureau in Chattanooga.