14 DAY TRIAL // The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3) has reported receiving numerous complaints about phishing attacks designed to target the customers of telecommunication companies.
According to the IC3, scammers call up potential victims and introduce themselves as the representatives of a telecoms carrier. They instruct users to visit a phishing site to receive a prize, a credit or a discount.
The malicious websites, designed to replicate the company’s legitimate site, request victims to enter their login credentials, and last four digits of their social security numbers.
Once this is done, the user is redirected to the carrier’s legitimate website. This is a method used by the crooks to avoid raising suspicion.
The information they’ve harvested allows the fraudsters to make changes to the compromised accounts.
“The IC3 urges the public to be cautious of unsolicited telephone calls, e-mails and text messages, especially those promising some type of compensation for supplying account information,” the alert reads.
“If you receive such an offer, verify it with the business associated with your account before supplying any information. Use the information supplied on your account statement to contact the business.”