Fake Rewards Texts: The Scam Targeting Mobile Users
You receive a text message promising a reward – almost 13,000 points from your mobile provider. It seems like a pleasant surprise, especially since many operators now have rewards programs. But click the link, and you’re led to a site offering tempting prizes like massage chairs and high-complete vacuum cleaners, for just the cost of postage. This isn’t a reward; it’s a scam designed to steal your bank details.
The Rise of RCS-Based Scams
Recently, fraudulent text messages claiming to be from EE and Vodafone have surfaced, promising prizes through fake rewards schemes. These messages are particularly insidious because they’re being sent via RCS (Rich Communication Services), a more advanced messaging protocol than traditional SMS. Unlike SMS, EE currently cannot block RCS messages, creating a significant challenge for both the provider and its customers.
EE reports that 265,000 people have already reported receiving these fake texts over the past two months. The company confirmed it does not operate a points-for-rewards scheme.
How the Scams Work: Urgency and Deception
The scam relies on creating a sense of urgency. Texts claim points are about to expire, pressuring recipients to act quickly. One example reads: “This message serves as an advance notice regarding your Vodafone Reward Points. You currently hold 12,739, of which 12,000 points are scheduled to expire in 3 days in line with the 2026 programme.” Another, posing as an EE message, states: “Essential Reminder about your reward points… If no action is taken, these points will expire in 3 days.”
Users who click the link are directed to a seemingly legitimate website offering attractive prizes in exchange for their reward points. The catch? They’re asked to provide their bank details for shipping costs. One user reported that after entering their information, the page simply refreshed to a blank screen.
Vodafone’s Situation and the “Vodafone Rewards Club”
Vodafone does have a rewards program, VeryMe Rewards, but it explicitly states it does not refer to it as the “Vodafone Rewards Club,” a name used in some of the scam texts. Vodafone notes that most of its customers haven’t received these fraudulent messages because RCS isn’t enabled on iPhones.
Protecting Yourself: What to Do
If you receive a suspicious text message claiming to be from your mobile provider offering rewards, do not click the link. EE advises users to highlight the message as spam using the “report spam” button on their mobile device or forward it to 7726 free of charge.
If you’ve already entered your personal or banking details, contact your bank immediately and report the incident to Report Fraud.
Future Trends: The Evolution of Mobile Scams
The shift towards RCS-based scams signals a worrying trend. As RCS adoption grows, blocking these messages will become increasingly difficult for mobile providers. Expect to notice scammers exploiting new messaging features and technologies to bypass security measures. The sophistication of these scams is also likely to increase, with more convincing websites and more personalized messages.
Another potential development is the use of AI-powered chatbots to interact with victims after they click on the malicious link. These chatbots could gather more information and further manipulate victims into providing sensitive data.
Pro Tip
FAQ
- What is RCS? RCS (Rich Communication Services) is a more advanced messaging protocol than SMS, offering features like higher-quality images and videos.
- Can my bank support if I’ve been scammed? Yes, contact your bank immediately to report the fraud and potentially reverse any unauthorized transactions.
- Is it possible to block all unsolicited text messages? Blocking all unsolicited texts is difficult, but reporting spam messages helps providers identify and filter out malicious content.
- What is Report Fraud? Report Fraud (formerly Action Fraud) is the national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime in the UK.
Stay vigilant and protect yourself from these evolving mobile scams. Share this information with friends and family to help them stay safe too.
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