by Coles Points Scam, which happens to be one of the viral phishing scam tactics on the internet, has made people lose all they have worked hard for. If you been sent a text warning you that your Coles Rewards points are about to vanish and you rescue it, do not click on any of those links on the email! It is a huge scam. This review uncovers the fraudulent activities of this scammers and offers tips on how to detect scam texts and avoid them. Read till the end.
Phishing (Email scams) and Smishing (Fraud through Text messages) are on the increase these days. Scammers are now coming up with several ways to defraud people on a daily basis. One of the ways they do this is by sending text messages to people prompting them to release vital information or even gaining access to their information without their knowledge. Receivers of such texts are therefore advised to always carry out due diligence before giving out any information about themselves.
What Is The Coles Points Scam All About?
Coles Rewards scheme is a customer loyalty program where customers are issued cardholders points based on how much they spend. These shoppers can later redeem accrued points for discounted future purchases at Coles stores. Unfortunately, scammers are now using this means to defraud Coles customers.
Coles Points Scam is an SMS sent by fraudsters disguising themselves to be from Coles supermarket, one of the biggest grocery stores in Australia. The message says that warning that your hard-earned Coles Rewards points are about to expire and you should redeem it. They also attach a link with which to provide relevant information about you. This scam targets Australians who hold Coles rewards cards and have diligently accumulated points on their grocery purchases. Do not fall for it
How Does Coles Points Scam Message Work?
In order to appear genuine, the cyber criminals behind the Coles Points Scam employ different strategies. This includes trying to convince customers of their hard-earned points is about to expire. They persuade them to act fast and claim restore before it expires. They make it look so real and urgent so that their victims will click on the link attached in the email immediately without giving it a second thought. Once they click on it, their personal details will be collected by these scammers.
What Are The Effects Of This Phishing Text On The Receivers?
The negative effects that Coles Points Scam has had on shoppers who fell victim of their tricks unknowingly is really alarming. Some lost their life time savings because they gave in to the tricks of these scammers thinking they are genuine. Others even ran into huge debt because they had to borrow from friends to survive after being scammed. Some other victims were even put in a critical health condition just because they could not bear the shock of losing all they had to these fraudsters.
These and may more stories, prompted us to start educating the public about this fast rising phishing call scam known as Coles Points Scam as well as other methods used by scammers these days.
How To Detect The Coles Points Scam.
Below are some of the ways you can identify Coles Points Scam text.
- They make the text sound urgent and give penalty for those who default. This is to make the receiver do what they said.
- They disguise to be a reputable agency, steal the agency’s official logo and address just to convince people.
- They send links to malicious sites to get your personal information and steal from you.
- There are usually errors in their email address or the content of the mail or text.
- Majority of them only make use of text messages and chats.
- They may request for fees for you.
7 Ways To Avoid Being Scammed By These Fraudsters.
In order not to be a victim of the Coles Points Scam or any other fake agency, follow these instructions:
- Do not click on any link or download attachment from an unknown sender: Do not be in a hurry to click on any link sent in a mail or text message from someone you do not know.
- Check the URL of the links they sent: Is there is an error in the URL or even the content of the text message like misspelling or omission, then know it is a scam.
- Carry out your investigation: Before clicking on any link, do a research to know if they are actually it is actually coming from the said organization. This will save you a lot.
- Do not disclose your personal information anyhow: No genuine agency will request that you provide personal information such as bank account details, password information and others immediately.
- Follow your instinct: Whenever you come across a suspicious text message, it always safe to pay attention to the details in the message rather than being carried away by their fake claims.
- Report suspicious email or text messages: As soon as you discover a fraudulent text or email, report to your local enforcement agency so that they will take actions to stop further scam activities. If you have already shared your personal or financial information with these scammers, all you just have to do is to shut down your cards, then report the incident.
- Tell others about the Coles Points Scam: Enlighten your friends and family member about the ongoing scam so that they will be aware and not fall victim.
Conclusion
People should be cautious of the information they give out about themselves. There are many scammers out there targeting unsuspecting people. Sadly, Coles Points Scam message is one of the viral scams over the internet recently just like Vibe Refunds Scam. To stay safe from these fraudsters, you have to adhere to the instructions given above. Click Here to see a list of phishing scams to avoid. Other online scams we have reviewed are EE Points Program Scam and Ftc fortnite Scam
