Text scam targets shoppers

People are being asked to beware of a new supermarket delivery text message scam that is doing the rounds.

One of the phoney texts states that “your Asda order is out for delivery” and links to a webpage supposedly allowing the recipient “to track your order and view your delivery note”. Another similar message references an order from Morrisons. Scammers use the links to obtain personal details from the recipient, putting their finances at risk.

These supermarket scam messages come while similar campaigns such as a Royal Mail delivery con, various phoney banking messages, and a National Insurance number racket target the public.

Katherine Hart, a lead officer at the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, said: “Scammers are sending these texts to phone numbers on the off-chance the recipient has placed an order with the particular supermarket. The Covid pandemic has led to a greater reliance on home shopping deliveries making the public more open to falling for this scam.

“The public should be aware these campaigns are not limited to Asda or Morrisons, and they may receive messages quoting the names of other major supermarket chains.”

Asda said: “We are aware of scams being sent to customers impersonating various brands, including Asda, through SMS messages.

“We will never ask for any personal information through text messages, and any SMS communication from us does not come from a mobile number.”

Consumers and businesses are encouraged to join Friends Against Scams and Businesses Against Scams, respectively. These initiatives aim to protect and prevent people and businesses from becoming scam victims by empowering them to take a stand against scams.