In the ever-evolving world of cyber scams, criminals are constantly coming up with new and creative ways to deceive unsuspecting victims. The latest scam to come to our attention was sent in bulk on 18 December 2023 and it involved an attempt to impersonate the well-known Australian supermarket chain, Coles. Cybertrace identified this new SMS scam technique, and we want to ensure that you stay informed and don’t fall victim to it. Although redeem points / prize scams are nothing new, they are usually deployed via social media, Goolgle Ads, or via email. On this occasion the use of SMS was seen as a change of tactic from the usual overdue notice, Hi Mum, bank or job offer scams. This demonstrates the ongoing adaptability and cunningness of scammers which are monitored by Cybertrace.
The SMS Scam
Scammers recently launched the deceptive Coles SMS campaign with the following message to redeem points:
“Coles Important note: 3014 points will expire tomorrow, click to redeem Bluetooth headsets and smart watches https://coles.myenoicn.com/poNEez.”
This message may appear, at first glance, to be a legitimate communication from Coles. It mentions points expiring and offers enticing rewards such as Bluetooth headsets and smartwatches. However, it’s essential to be cautious, as this SMS is nothing more than a clever ruse designed to deceive recipients into clicking on the included link.
What the Scammers Want
The primary objective of the scammers is to lure you into clicking on the link provided in the SMS. Once you click on it, you may be directed to a phishing website that closely mimics Coles’ branding. On this fake website, you could be asked to provide your personal information, such as your name, address, and credit card details. Alternatively, clicking the link might initiate the download of malicious software onto your device, enabling the scammers to steal your sensitive information or gain control over your device.
How to Protect Yourself
To protect yourself from falling victim to this SMS scam or similar ones, it’s essential to take the following precautions:
1. Verify the Sender: Always be sceptical of unsolicited messages, especially if they request personal information or contain suspicious links. Check the sender’s phone number via the Cybertrace Scam Phone Number Lookup (SPNL), or confirm with Coles directly if you are unsure about the authenticity of the message.
2. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Refrain from clicking on links in SMS messages or emails from unknown sources. Instead, search the URL in the Cybertrace ScamID portal to identify scam risk, or visit the official Coles website directly.
3. Beware of Urgency: Scammers often use a sense of urgency to pressure you into taking immediate action. Take your time to verify the message’s legitimacy before responding or clicking on any links.
4. Use Security Software: Ensure that your device is equipped with reputable antivirus and anti-malware software. Regularly update these programs to protect against the latest threats.
5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and their tactics by reading recent Cybertrace Scam Alerts and general articles. Knowledge is your best defence against falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
6. Report Suspicious Activity: If you receive a suspicious SMS or believe you have encountered a scam, report it to Cybertrace using our Report Form, and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via their Scamwatch website.
For more detailed information on Coles’ official scam warnings and advice on how to protect yourself from scams, please refer to Coles’ dedicated webpage on this topic.
Remember that scammers are continually evolving their tactics, so remaining vigilant and cautious when receiving unsolicited messages or emails is of utmost importance. Always verify the authenticity of communications, especially when they involve sensitive information or offers that seem too good to be true. Stay safe, and don’t let scammers catch you off guard.
Tags: Coles, SMS, Scam, Redeem, Points
