Scam Text Messages
That “delivery” you just got a text message about is probably a scam.
Over the past few months, many Australians have received a large amount of scam text messages and calls.
The bottom line – don’t click any of the links and don’t give your details away.
One of the many texts I have received over the past month were from ‘Australian Post’. This immediately rang alarm bells. Scam messages typically have spelling or grammatical errors (not all!) but these should at least have said ‘aus post’ or ‘Australia Post’. Scammers seem to rely on you not paying attention to the header and only reading the content. As to why anyone would click on a strange link, especially a php link is beyond me.
And as for the text messages from Craig Kelly, deluded Federal politician, are a disgrace. When I block the number, another comes from a seperate number.
Don’t get me started on the “robot calls” threatening police action if I don’t respond or the calls threatening to cut off my NBN. If I catch up to them, it won’t be their NBN I cut off!
Here’s a text message I recently got:
This is but one of the dozens I have received over the past month, all spoofing a different phone number and different link but all with much the same message. I deleted them all after first blocking the number. Probably not necessary to block the number as the scammers always spoof a new number.
Scamwatch are getting reports about text malware scams – if you receive a message like this DO NOT click the link! It is a #scam designed to download malware to your device. Delete the message immediately to #stopthescam Image and information via Scamwatch.
AUSSIES BEING INUNDATED WITH SPAM CALLS AND MESSAGES
Android malware called “FluBot” is infecting phones across Australia and clogging up our text and voicemail banks. FluBot is installed on Android devices by clicking a malicious link sent in a text message. Once it is installed, it has access to everything on your device, including bank details and passwords.
FluBot then uses your contact list to bombard your friends with similar scam links. These direct you to a web page posing as a trusted brand and encourages you to download an app.
The scam only affects Android users and only those who have enabled “side-loading”, where apps can be installed from outside of the Google Play Store. If you do not click text message links then you will not be affected.
To learn if your phone is infected, search for a new app called “Voicemail” with a blue cassette in a yellow envelope. If you attempt to uninstall this app, an error message will pop up – ignore it and delete the app.
Telstra may also contact members it identifies as sending exceptionally high volumes of text messages. Changing your passwords on a device you don’t believe has the malware will greatly enhance your security.
A factory reset can also be done if you do not believe your phone contained FluBot before your last backup.
