Banking payment scams are a scammer’s best friend and your worst enemy. This week we’ve identified two similar but separate cases — read on to get the low-down.

Bank Mobile Alert Scam

Users have reported SMS text messages as seen below. The would-be victim is helpfully alerted to an issue, with their card now being temporarily blocked. To enable it, you are asked to call the telephone number provided. Needless to say, don’t do it: it’s a direct line to the scammers — and could be the most expensive call you’ll ever make. (See below for a list of the SMS transcripts.)

SMS Content List

• bank-Mobile-Alert-129@bservice.com (Call 8773666845 Now-129#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:ejLlyLvWe0
• bank-Mobile-Alert-243@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-243#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:Co0rsCJ
• bank-Mobile-Alert-493@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-493#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:qZSRJ6Ozc
• bank-Mobile-Alert-682@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-682#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:8mY33t4G9Sbav
• bank-Mobile-Alert-864@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-864#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:zeELTdd9O8
• bank-Mobile-Alert-129@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-129#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:oTlTknqGJk
• bank-Mobile-Alert-453@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-453#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:FHIZIo
• bank-Mobile-Alert-996@bservice.com (Call 8773666845 Now-996#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:iOZazHGky
• bank-Mobile-Alert-129@bservice.com (Call 8666805663 Now-129#) VISA-Card-temporarily-locked-ID:oTlTknqGJk

“you just sent a payment” Scam

Source: Reddit

Not to be outdone, other scammers have been sending out their own phishing SMS text messages — although they’re not terribly original. It’s the classic fake alert in which the would-be victim has supposedly sent a payment to someone, and must now follow the phishing link in order to dispute the transaction. The only problem is that once you fall for it and provide your credentials, you’ll lose much more than the original (and fake) amount.

Protect Yourself with ScamCheck

• Double-check people’s contact details — and URLs.
• Reach out to official websites and support pages directly for help if in doubt.
• NEVER use links or buttons from unknown sources! Use Trend Micro ScamCheck to detect scams with ease: ScamCheck is an all-in-one browser extension and mobile app for detecting scams, phishing attacks, malware, and dangerous links — and it’s FREE!

Check out this page for more information on ScamCheck. And as ever, if you’ve found this article an interesting and/or helpful read, please do SHARE it with friends and family to help keep the online community secure and protected.