EE mobile users are being cautioned about a resurgence of a scam text message that is currently circulating. Cybersecurity experts at Bitdefender have observed a surge in EE customers receiving urgent texts threatening the loss of thousands of EE reward points unless immediate action is taken.
In a warning message shared on Instagram, Bitdefender advised recipients to be wary of messages claiming their EE reward points are set to expire within a short timeframe. The scam involves cybercriminals posing as the legitimate EE network to entice individuals into clicking on malicious links that lead to counterfeit websites aimed at stealing login credentials.
The success of this scam hinges on creating a sense of urgency to prompt swift action from unsuspecting users. By setting tight deadlines, scammers aim to pressure individuals into responding impulsively.
Bitdefender explained that scammers exploit the fear of missing out by creating a false sense of urgency. The fraudulent links in these messages do not direct users to EE’s official site but instead lead to deceptive websites.
Authentic EE alerts are only accessible through official EE accounts and not via unsolicited texts. Users are advised to be cautious of messages that pressure them to act quickly or feature countdowns. Any suspicious texts should be reported by forwarding them to 7726 and subsequently deleted.
This type of scam has targeted EE customers previously and is not a novel tactic. Earlier this year, users reported receiving convincing fake messages related to reward points, with some falling victim to the scam after interacting with the provided links.
EE has emphasized that it does not run a points program and has shared examples of scam messages circulating, including false claims of expiring points and offers for redeemable prizes.
EE’s latest guidance includes recommendations to avoid clicking on unfamiliar links in text messages, refraining from responding to suspicious messages, abstaining from calling the provided numbers, and refraining from sharing personal or financial information.
EE users are advised to exercise caution and vigilance to avoid falling prey to such fraudulent schemes.