08/26/2020:
The Christian County Sheriff’s Office has received numerous reports of a text message scam making its way around the community over the past several days.
The messages can vary, but the common theme seems to inform the recipient they have a parcel they need to claim. They then ask the recipient to click a link provided in the message. If you receive an unsolicited text, be wary of the content of that message. Before you do anything, ask yourself these questions:
- “Was I expecting a package delivery?”
- “Did I send a package to someone?”
- “Did I ask for text notifications?”
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), in this version of the scam, the link takes you to a fake Amazon website. There, you’re invited to take a customer satisfaction survey, and you might just win a free prize. But to get it, you have to give them your credit card number to pay for shipping.
Hopefully, that wise little voice in your head is thinking:
- “I shouldn’t have clicked that link!”
- “Why would a link to my package delivery preferences take me to an unrelated website?”
- “You said the prize was free, but now I need to pay. What else am I agreeing to pay for?”
- “I really shouldn’t have clicked on that link!”
CCSO and the FTC warn of any text message, letter, email, or phone call that asks you for sensitive information such as your credit/ debit card number, date of birth, social security number, or address.
For more information, visit the FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION WEBSITE
