20th Aug 2021

Malware Scam Warning

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A new scam is impacting Android phone users via SMS messages whom are using our mobile services.

What is malware?

Malware is like a computer virus that can be installed on a customer’s Android device if they click on a malicious link in a SMS message (see below example). This malware then sends many similar text messages to other people from your phone without your knowledge, potentially infecting them.

Scam screenshot

Please Note

The exact wording of the message, the number from which it’s sent, and the link may vary, but Scam watch has confirmed this is a scam and that clicking on the link installs malware onto your device.

What do I do?

Most anti-virus applications for Android will be able remove the malware from the device. Alternatively, customers can perform a factory reset on their device. However, if they use a backup to get their saved files back, they may also restore the malware, so it is recommended to use a backup from a date prior to receiving the malware message.

Scam watch has provided the following advice:

- Delete the text message

- Do not call back the individual who sent the text as they are unlikely to be a scammer or criminal

- Make a report to ReportCyber if you have been a victim of this cybercrime - https://www.cyber.gov.au/acsc/report

- You can also report to Scam watch - https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/report-a-scam

- If you have lost personal information to a scammer and are concerned, you can contact IDCARE at https://www.idcare.org/ or 1800 595 160.

- If you have erroneously installed the malware, contact your bank, ensure your accounts are secure and contact an IT professional

If you have any further questions please call our Australian based support team on 13 14 64.

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