“There’s a sucker born every minute” exhibition promoter David Hannum once said.
I’m included in that perpetually increasing list of suckers.
Past midnight last Wednesday,June 25, 1:27 a.m. I got this text message from +639752279723:
GlobeAlert: You’re the one lucky selected postpaid plan that has given 40% discount on your billing. To avail your 40%discount just forward your 3-digits pin code to 29752279723. You will receive the 3 digits pin code on next message.
This was immediately followed by another text message that simply said “ 500.”
It must have been lack of sleep because I went to bed 11:30 p.m of June 24 and I was to leave for the airport at 2 a.m.
I immediately forwarded the “500” as instructed.
I was looking forward to a discounted bill the next month.
I opened my cellphone upon arrival in Ilolilo and I saw a similar text message that came in at 6:27 a.m. but came from a different number :+639356598366.
That’s when I realized I was gypped.
Then I remembered I’ve been getting these kinds of messages which I ignored. I checked past messages and yes, I got two previous messages with slight variations. A June 12, 1 pm message said: GlobePostpaid. You’re the one selected postpaid plan that given 35 % discount on your bill just forward this PIN 500
Scrolling down further I saw this Alert message from Globe, which I ignored: “There have been recent cases of text scam being sent to unsuspecting Globe Postpaid customers. If you receive texts from unknown numbers saying you may claim a prize, bill discount or refund by texting a 2+ 10 digit mobile number, be vigilant and do NOT reply. Report these numbers to http://www.globe.com.ph/stopscam (Data charges may apply).
“Rest assured that necessary action will be carried against numbers reported for scamming activities.”
Lessons learned.
Ellen,
There are many scams going on especially in banking and the methodology they are using is the internet email and texting which they get by identity thief or stealing..the best way to know about all these scams is to go to the Banks secured Website were types of current scams are going on..Banks never sent warnings on email as these means are utilized by scammers, same as phones, Bank may phone only to advise customers to call back on their secured or official phones number, the same with phone providers…