Highlanders warned about Asda text scam
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Scots have been warned about a supermarket text scam which is circulating in the country.
Texts sent to mobiles include phrases such as ‘your Asda order is out for delivery’ and link to websites supposedly allowing recipients ‘to track your order and view your delivery note’.
But the website URL is not an Asda address, with scammers using these links in a bid to obtain personal finance details.
It has been reported that the scam also involves messages mimicking texts from Morrisons.
Edinburgh councillor Mark Brown revealed he received the Asda scam text in the early hours of this morning.
This is the latest delivery scam in recent weeks, with a number of consumers reporting text messages regarding deliveries, some of these containing links to download an app.
These ‘FluBot Android scams’ by scammers use false claims of deliveries by carriers such as DHL to install malware on the mobile devices of the consumers being targeted.
Scots can report scams to Scotland’s national consumer advice service consumeradvice.scot, which is operated by Advice Direct Scotland and includes the ‘ScamWatch’ reporting tool. This allows information to be shared with Trading Standards teams and authorities.
Anyone who thinks they have been scammed should contact Advice Direct Scotland for free, impartial and practical advice.
Marjorie Gibson, head of operations with Advice Direct Scotland, which runs consumeradvice.scot, said: “Scammers have adapted to the coronavirus pandemic to prey on Scots, and with the rise in online supermarket shopping this latest scam is particularly concerning.
“It’s increasingly difficult to spot scams and there is absolutely no shame in being caught out, as the scammers’ tactics are very convincing.
“Supermarkets like Asda will never ask for personal information through text messages, and consumers should remember to never click on suspicious links.
“Anyone who receives a text like this should contact the supermarket for verification, and scams can be reported to us at scamwatch.scot so that we can compile data.
“If you think you are the victim of a scam, get in touch with our team for free advice.”
