BBB Warns Against Scam Targeting Cell Phone Users

Feb. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- RALEIGH, N.C. (February 29, 2012) — Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina urges consumers to beware of scams targeting cell phone users.

Posing as bank employees, scam artists are sending text messages urging consumers to contact them immediately about a “pressing issue” that needs to be discussed. Victims of the scam are often asked to call a toll-free number and provide information, such as their debit card or account number, to a fake automated system.

Scam artists are also contacting consumers to tell them they have won a gift card to a well-known store. The scam artist often provides a phone number for the consumers to call in order to claim their prize, or they tell the consumers to reply to the text message. Once the consumers do this, they are asked for their credit card number in order to pay for shipping and handling.

“Hackers are looking for you to respond with vital information that can ultimately lead to identity theft,” said Toby Barfield, president and CEO of BBB serving Eastern North Carolina. “Cell phone scams have been around for years, but are gaining in popularity as more and more people use texting as a primary means of personal communication.”

BBB offers the following advice to consumers who believe they have received a phony text message:

Never reply to the text message.
Scam artists are preying on victims who text back and thus verify that the text message has been sent to an active cell phone user. If the message has a link in it, never click it. Many scam artists use this as a way to spread a viral attack on your phone.

Report the text message immediately.
If you believe you have fallen victim to this scam, call your bank. They will be able to tell you for certain if the text message is legitimate. BBB also advises consumers to call the company who claims to be offering the gift card directly, to see if you have truly been awarded the prize.

Call your cell phone provider.
Your cell phone provider will be able to block the scammer’s number, as well as any text messages he may try to send you.

Contact BBB.
If you receive a phony text message, contact BBB immediately to report the scam.

Contact the Federal Trade Commission.
The FTC works to legally prevent fraudulent business practices in the marketplace. File a complaint with the FTC by calling 1-877-HELP.

For more information regarding common scams, visit bbb.org.

About the BBB serving Eastern North Carolina
Better Business Bureau serving Eastern North Carolina is a 501(c)(6) not-for-profit corporation serving 33 counties in eastern North Carolina. The organization is funded primarily by BBB Accredited Business fees from more than 3,000 local businesses and professional firms. BBB promotes integrity, consumer confidence and business ethics through business self-regulation in the local marketplace. Services provided by BBB include reports on companies and charitable organizations, general monitoring of advertising in the marketplace, consumer/business education programs and dispute resolution services. All services are provided at no cost to the public, with the occasional exception of mediation and arbitration. Visit bbb.org.