- Examples of Fake Verizon Text Messages
- Fake Verizon Text Messages Take You to Fake Verizon Websites
- How to Identify Fake Verizon Text Messages
- Protect Yourself From Scam Texts
Virtually all wireless providers are now potential targets for scammers. Due to the sheer number of subscribers, scammers are now sending fake Verizon text messages to Verizon customers pretending to be the carrier. The main goal of these scam texts is to take you to a fake Verizon website and have you enter your information.
They can steal your identity, compromise your Verizon account (and other online accounts), and eventually steal your money with this sensitive information.
Examples of Fake Verizon Text Messages
There are several different versions of Verizon scam text messages going around, but they all have similar red flags you can look for.
Don't Respond to Any Texts
If you receive a scam text or mysterious message, don't click on any links and don't respond. Responding will notify the scammers and bad actors that the number they messaged is actively working, and they will continue to target you.
Text Message Offering a Little Gift
One of the most common scam text messages circulating right now is the text that confirms your bill is paid and offers a "little gift" as a thank you. It will include a link to a website that may (or may not) look like a Verizon website, but it isn't.
Note that this scam text also targets AT&T and T-Mobile customers.
Example of a Fake Verizon Text MessageVZW Free Msg: August bill process. Thanks! Here's a little gift for you: x4esz.info/le1vkZLoHzs
Update Your Details
A text message being sent to Verizon customers requires you to update or validate your details or risk having your cell phone service canceled. You're sent a link to follow where you'll be able to update this info, but this isn't a legitimate Verizon webpage.
Example Fake Verizon Text MessageVerizon Notice* Update now your account details to avoid service cancellation. http://both.us/Verizon285387
Verizon Customer Support
May 24, 2015
Example Fake Verizon Text MessageYour Verizon account security needs validation. Click https://vwireless.xyz/L8iU1jkT to validate your account and to avoid your access from being disabled.
Fake Verizon Text Messages Take You to Fake Verizon Websites
These fake texts targeting Verizon customers will usually take you to a phishing website—a fake Verizon website designed to trick you into entering your sensitive information.
The scammers will have the personal details you enter onto the website, which could include your:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Social Security number (SSN)
- Verizon login information (username and password)
With this information, they can:
- Gain access to your Verizon account
- Gain access to your other online accounts that share the same username and password
- Lock you out of your Verizon account
- Access saved data within your Verizon account
- Steal your identity
How to Identify Fake Verizon Text Messages
- Check the URL: Scam text messages will include a link to a website that isn't the official Verizon website. Genuine Verizon websites include:
- Verizon.com
- go.vzw.com
- secure.verizon.com
- vzw.com
- Look for misspellings and grammatical errors: Genuine Verizon text messages won't have typos or spelling errors, while scammers will usually overlook these mistakes.
- Check the phone number: If the spam text message contains a phone number instead of a website link, you should always look up the phone number before calling it to confirm it's actually a Verizon number. When in doubt, contact Verizon at (800) 922-0204.
Don't Trust vwireless.xyz
A commonly used URL in these Verizon text message scams is vwireless.xyz—this is not a Verizon-owned domain and should not be trusted.
Protect Yourself From Scam Texts
One of the first things you should do to avoid falling from a fake Verizon text is to block spam messages. If your message app has an option to block spam text messages, turn this feature on. You can also use apps to help filter out scam texts.
These fake Verizon text messages will usually be considered spam and filtered out, so it doesn't appear in your inbox.
Steps to Take After Falling for a Scam Text Message
If you fall for a scam text and enter your information into a fake Verizon website, you must act quickly to minimize the identity theft the scammer can commit. You should immediately:
- Change your Verizon password.
- Change your passwords for any other online accounts that share the same password as the one you entered into the fake Verizon website.
- If you entered your SSN onto the fake website, place a fraud alert on your credit report (or freeze your credit completely).
- Report the scam to Verizon.
- Report the scam to your bank (if you entered your debit or credit card information).
- Monitor your credit card and bank statements for fraudulent activity (and dispute any unauthorized transactions).
Other Types of Scam Texts to Be Aware Of
Scammers are sending more and more scam text messages pretending to be from legitimate companies and banks:
- Amazon
- Amex
- Apple
- AT&T
- Capital One
- Chase
- Citibank
- Citizens Bank
- Fedex
- Navy Federal
- Netflix
- PayPal
- Truist
- UPS
- Venmo
- Verizon
- Walmart
- Wells Fargo
Don't click on links within these texts or call the phone number listed. You should always find the genuine number for the company on their official website.
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