Uber customers told to be aware of ‘unusual activity’
Aussies have been warned to stay vigilant about the new scam text.
Scam text messages attempting to impersonate Uber are making the rounds, and Aussies have been told to keep a look out.
The text messages claim there has been unusual activity on the potential victim’s account or that a payment was unsuccessful, according to Scamwatch.
“They all contain a malicious link to a website that will steal your details. Don't click the link, check your account via the app,” Scamwatch said.
Aussies have already lost more than $5.2 million so far this year thanks to phishing scams, Scamwatch data shows.
In 2022, more than $24.6 million was lost to phishing scams, and that was just the amount actually reported to the agency.
Phishing scams attempt to trick people into giving out personal information such as bank account numbers, passwords and credit card numbers.
“Phishing messages are designed to look genuine, and often copy the format used by the organisation the scammer is pretending to represent, including their branding and logo,” Scamwatch said.
“They will take you to a fake website that looks like the real deal, but has a slightly different address.
“If you provide the scammer with your details online or over the phone, they will use them to carry out fraudulent activities, such as using your credit cards and stealing your money.”
Avoid ending up the victim
Here are Scamwatch’s tips on what to do protect yourself from falling victim to phishing scams:
Do not click on any links or open attachments from emails claiming to be from your bank or another trusted organisation and asking you to update or verify your details – just press delete
Do an internet search using the names or exact wording of the email or message to check for any references to a scam – many scams can be identified this way
Look for the secure symbol. Secure websites can be identified by the use of 'https:' rather than 'http:' at the start of the internet address, or a closed padlock or unbroken key icon at the bottom right corner of your browser window. Legitimate websites that ask you to enter confidential information are generally encrypted to protect your details
Never provide your personal, credit card or online account details if you receive a call claiming to be from your bank or any other organisation. Instead, ask for their name and contact number and make an independent check with the organisation in question before calling back
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