“Your bill is ready to view, click here to see call charges…”
Mobile phones are a prime target for scammers. We rely on them so heavily that the mere though of being cut off, barred in some way, or having used all of our data allowance, will send most teenagers into a meltdown. It’s the same for a lot of businessmen, the elderly or even those who just like to know they can be in touch when they are needed. Scammers know this, and they will use any little bit of leverage they can to part you from your hard earned money. This week we take a brief look into the Mobile Bill scam…
The SMS Message
Typically you will receive an SMS message purporting to be from your mobile phone service provider. Scammers are often able to spoof the sending indentification so it may even show as a message from “O2 Billing” or “EE Bill Support” and will usually contain some text regarding your mobile phone bill, worded in such a way that they try to get you to click on a web link, often hidden in a shortened URL. Some examples of the wording might be:
There has been a problem with your payment details
There are additional call charges for you to review
Your bill is £965.32, please see account for details
or simply…
Your bill is ready to view
Their goal is to convince you to click on the link
What do they want?
The link is the dangerous part. Receiving the SMS message doesn’t really mean anything. The website you are directed to is where the trouble can really start. In some cases they might be able to download some spyware or other kind of malicious code to your handset. In other cases they will have a functioning website that looks and feels exactly like that of the mobile phone company. They are expecting you to enter your account details so that they can capture them and use them for criminal and malicious practises. With your details they will be able to log into your real account, possibly change SIM number, allowing them to rack up huge bills in your name on a different SIM, access billing data, get your personal information (such as email, address etc) or otherwise cause a nuisance.
How can I spot them?
Sometimes it’s as simple as knowing which network you’re on. If you are a Vodafone customer and you’re receiving messages about your O2 bill then it’s obvious that something’s not right. More importantly, it’s a good idea to check your notification preferences in your mobile account. If you’re not set up for SMS alerts then you needn’t worry about any of them.
NEVER click the link. If you have any real queries regarding your bill then you should call your provider or login to your account using a website link you trust.
Another tell-tale is down to the URL. Often, like the example above, they will not bear any real resemblance to the real website. Always play it safe and if there is any doubt, call your supplier on a trusted number.
Business users should be especially wary and report it to their mobile phone administrator immediately (usually the IT department)..
Help us fight the Scams!
The fight against scammers is something we can all be part of. Just raising awareness of these types of scams can help someone avoid the financial loss, stress and inconvenience of being a victim. Share this blog on your social media platforms to help spread the message. You might also want to take part in our e-learning, kindly provided by #Friendsagainstscams, at www.FriendsAgainstScams.org.uk/elearning/Litenet
