14 DAY TRIAL // People in the Philippines are warned about SMS scams that leverage the recent Typhoon Haiyan. There are at least four types of scams that people might come across.
According to PhilStar, Filipinos have been receiving SMS messages that purport to come from various government officials – such as Trade Secretary Greg Domingo, Press Secretary Edwin Lacierda, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima or Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr.
Recipients of these SMSs are asked to donate money for “team-building activities.”
Researchers from ThreatTrack Security have also made a list of SMS scam types that could leverage Typhoon Haiyan.
In one of them, scammers ask recipients to send them phone credit codes. The sender claims he needs credit because he’s been in an accident. However, as ThreatTrack’s Chris Boyd highlights, in the areas affected by the typhoon, people are offered free SMS services and free access to Twitter by mobile operators.
Another type of SMS scam that could start making the rounds is the one in which the crooks claim to be a family member with a new phone number. In the messages they send out, the crooks promise gifts and other incentives. When victims respond, the scammers start asking for money.
A lottery scam has been seen making the rounds these days. The SMSs purport to come from a foundation of President Aquino. Recipients are informed that their SIM cards have won money in the “4PS-Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program.”
Remember! If you want to make donations to the victims of Typhoon Haiyan, make sure you only give money to reputable and trusted charities. Avoid giving money to people going door-to-door, or individuals who contact you by phone or email.
Scammers will try to make a hefty profit from this disaster. Don’t help them!