Text message scams, They’re out to cheat you!

Scam text messages typically include a link which redirects to a fake website where private information – name, phone number and address, bank account details – and sometimes a payment is requested. Fraudsters can use this information to contact residents directly with other scams.

Text message scams are fraud like any other scam, and are variations on a theme. A few examples of rogue texts are as follows:

‘Missed parcel delivery’ texts

These texts may impersonate well-known delivery companies and inform recipients that a delivery has been missed or is likely to be missed. The text would include a link which offers recipients to rearrange the delivery or pay a non-existent fee, but it instead redirects to a fake website wherein people are prompted to provide their personal details. Learn how to spot this scam on the Which? website.

‘Winter Heating Subsidy’ texts

These texts may include a link to a site where recipients can update their information to receive the subsidy payment, but this is also a scam. Visit the GOV.UK website to check for eligibility for heating subsidies this Winter.

‘HMRC Self-Assessment’ texts

These texts may present recipients with the offer of a tax refund. With the 31 January tax return deadline approaching, HMRC is warning residents to be cautious of refund scams. Visit the GOV.UK website for more information.

‘Missed parcel delivery’ text

‘Winter Heating Subsidy’ text