New scams targeting phone users

DECEPTIVE phone scammers have continued to target residents across Dubbo and the Central West with a string of “Flubot” scams currently popping up around the region.

A common text being received is one that encourages the user to click on a link, which upon doing so, infects the phone with a malware scam – designed to infect devices, steal contacts and read the phone screen.

The Flubot scams have been targeting Australians since August 2021, with many residents receiving scam text messages about missed calls, voicemails, parcel deliveries and photo uploads.

The text messages ask phone users to tap on a link to download or access something.

Flubots are regularly updated by scammers, and Android phones are reportedly more at risk.

An ACCC spokesperson urged phone users to remember the “3Ds” if they should ever receive a suspicious text. “Do not click, do not download, and delete,” the spokesperson said.

“The ACCC encourages you to make a report on the Scamwatch website.

“This helps us gather data that allows us to provide timely warnings to the public about emerging scams.”

Flubot scam content varies,

but they all contain a link containing five to nine random numbers.

If you have an Android device, typically the application downloaded is called Voicemail71.apk, Update42.apk or Dhl34.apk. This application is malware.

The application may be able to read text messages, send texts from the phone, make phone calls from the phone, and access contacts.

Installing the software is also likely to give scammers access to passwords and accounts, which can be used to steal money or personal information.

Apple devices cannot be infected with Flubot but will likely be infected by other forms of malware upon clicking on these links.

In 2021, Scamwatch received 286,608 reports of scams with over $323 million in reported losses.

If you have lost money to a scam, contact your bank or financial institution as soon as possible.

Steps for consumers to take after losing money are available at www.ausbanking.org.au.

If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft, contact IDCARE on 1800 595 160 or visit their website www.idcare.org.

If you have experienced fraud or theft, contact your local police.

Inset, a scam text received by a local resident last week (Dubbo Photo News has pixelated the web address). Scamwatch received more than a quarter of a million reports of scams last year.