Scamwatch has received over 12,000 reports relating to this scam since August 2021. The scam initially involved consumers being sent messages about voicemails and missed calls however it has now evolved to relate to messages about parcel delivery.
All messages contain a link. If you click on the link or download the app, your device will become infected with malicious software commonly known as Flubot. Flubot is able to read and send text messages, make calls, access contacts and other information that is stored within your phone.
This malware commonly impacts Android phones however clicking the link on your Apple iPhone may download other harmful malware.
Commonly reported messages often refer to DHL and ask you to take some form of action in relation to the delivery which can include:
Scheduling a delivery time
Tracking a delivery
Telling you its your last chance to arrange pickup/delivery
Getting more information about your delivery
Earlier messages contained spelling mistakes however the latest messages may not so they can be harder to identify. The messages will contain a website link followed by 6-8 random letters and numbers.
What to do if youve clicked on the link
Take action immediately. Fraudsters may have access to information stored on your device.
Do not enter any passwords or sign into any accounts until you have taken action to clean your device. This can be done by seeking the assistance of an IT Professional or performing a factory reset of your device or if using an Android phone, downloading official anti-virus software through the Google Play Store.
Factory resetting your device will delete all of your data including photos and messages. Do not restore from any backups created after you downloaded the malware as they will be infected.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Australia Post used to send legitimate SMS messages with a link to click to let them know if you would be home. Often, other businesses send an SMS with a link to check on your delivery status.
If you have a delivery pending as many of us do now, how do we know if it's the legitimate one. So this one will be very easy to fall for.
Maybe we are going to have to look at having two mobile numbers. One for run of the mill stuff & a second one for items that needs a higher level.of security.
Then it will be easier to simply throw out the compromised phone.
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