What it is
Text message scams try to trick you into providing personal information to scammers via a text message.
Here's what to do to make sure you don't get tricked by a text message scam.
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It’s best to act with caution if you receive a text message you're not sure about, or that you think might be a scam.
Text message scams try to trick you into providing personal information to scammers via a text message.
Here's what to do to make sure you don't get tricked by a text message scam.
Don't click on any of the links in a text message if:
These links will most likely take you to an insecure website, where any of the information you provide could be accessed and used by a scammer.
If the message claims to be from an organisation like a bank or courier company, contact them directly to confirm the text is real before you act on it.
Don't download or install any attachments
If a text message asks you to click a link to either download an attachment or install an update, don't. It could install malicious software, or 'malware', onto your device – like a virus, for example.
If you have an Android device, you can disable the ability to 'install unknown apps' in your settings. This means your device will only install apps or software from providers your manufacturer considers trustworthy, like the Google Play Store.
If you've enabled this setting in the past, it will stay enabled until you switch it off again – it's worth checking to make sure you have it disabled.
The best way to keep yourself and your mobile device safe is to make sure this setting is switched off within any apps that have access to the internet, such as web browsers like Google Chrome.
Here’s what to do if you think you’ve been targeted by a text message scam.
If you gave out some personal or financial details:
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If you downloaded or installed any software updates or applications:
Forward the scam text message free-of-charge to DIA at 7726. DIA will send you an automated response asking for the number that sent you the scam text so they can try to get it blocked. After you've sent them the number, delete the scam text message and block the number associated with the sender.
You can also report an online issue or security incident like this to us at CERT NZ.