News

Targeted fake text messages

Published: 03 December 2018

We are aware of a number of fake text messages sent to the mobile phones of SLU staff. They look like they were sent from a legitimate source, but the purpose is to get users to part with sensitive data such as credit card details, email logins and passwords.

This kind of fraud is on the increase, and the methods have become more sophisticated. Below is an example of such a text message; this one was sent by phone to the Ulls hus goods reception.

Some important reminders:

  • Are you a customer of the ”company” that seems to have sent the text?
  • Is it likely that by paying an amount of money, you will receive an even bigger amount?
  • If you give your details by mistake, make sure you change your password on all services you use it for.
  • If you have given someone information about your bank account/credit card, call your bank and block your credit card.
  • Report the matter to it-stod@slu.se
  • Block the sender’s number in your phone.

This is what a fake text may look like, this one seemingly from supermarket chain Ica (the text reads: We’re celebrating our birthday by offering gift vouchers to selected customers, followed by an instruction to click on a link):

Clicking on the link will take you to a page that looks like a market survey from Ica, see below.