I received a text asking me to follow a link to receive a Covid-19 £1500 grant. The webpage it took me to looked like a genuine .gov page (header, footer, questions/replies in a HMRC format, but on closer inspection, the url ended .com
A warning.
Replies (15)
Please login or register to join the discussion.
Why would you even think about clicking on a link in a comment about a likely scam?
Some people never learn.
To the OP - rather poor form to include a clickable link like that in your post.
Sometimes it just isn't that dangerous.
I disable Java script on ALL websites, and disable ALL cookies.
I then whitelist sites I really want to use.
I clicked the link too. It went 'nowhere' for me, possibly because Javascript is disabled. The web address is interesting. It looks like it might be a uk.gov website but then you realise the gov is at the start, and it ends with .com, suggesting it is (at least) a company, and therefore a likely scam.
“Sometimes it just isn’t that dangerous”
I assume you’re a regular customer of BetFred, Ladbrokes etc.
Disabling JavaScript and, especially, cookies offers little protection.
I agree, that link should be taken down, however one would have thought on a forum for professionals who are in a business that uses IT every day that no one would be stupid enough to assume this was anything other than a scam, and certainly not be a complete idiot and click on it.....
1. look at the URL - clearly not .gov.uk
2. if in doubt go to gov.uk and do a search
The most basic cyber security advice there is
https://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/advice/how-to-spot-a-fake-fraudu...
This may be a timely reminder to stay alert on web and text messages, and caution our clients .
With Gov promoting SEISS / furlough / BB no wonder scammers are alert to the opportunities
OP you may want to get back to Apple and ask how the text message got past their filters .
Did the link have a ' padlock icon' prefix on the URL?
Don’t think it has anything to do with Apple etc - more the network provider. I used to get text messages telling me my Revolut account had been blocked (before I even had an account). Reported to 7726 and haven’t had one since.
The web address (superficially) looks like a gov one but look more carefully - it's actually .com
Definitely a scam.
Why delete the whole question, why not delete the clickable link or space that out so not clickable. Deleted
Deleted
Deleted.Deleted.
As a regular on this forum I think the community would think you would understand the annoyance when OPs completely delete their questions.
@ALISK, Scalloway and anyone else visiting the site.
As a precaution I would suggest you run a full virus check on your machine and anything connected to it.
Its easy to click when your brain is elsewhere, so long as you do not enter anything you should be fine, but a paranoia check is probably a plan.