In this month’s scam, cybercriminals send you a text message claiming you have reward points that are about to expire. The message appears to come from a well-known organization, such as your mobile service provider or your bank. It warns that you have thousands of points that will disappear in just a few days unless you act now. The message includes a link and instructs you to select it to claim your rewards.
However, this is a smishing, or text phishing, scam! If you select the link, you will be directed to a fake website and asked to provide your user credentials or banking information to claim your rewards. But if you enter any information on this page, cybercriminals will steal it immediately!
Follow these tips to avoid falling victim to this smishing scam:
- If you receive a text message that claims you have rewards points that are about to expire, don’t select any links. Instead, use the organization’s official mobile app or website to check your account.
- Cybercriminals use urgent language and the threat of short deadlines, such as “expiring soon,” to trick you into acting quickly. Always stop and think before you act!
- If you receive a suspicious text message, do not reply, as this could let scammers know that your phone number is active. Instead, report the message to your mobile provider so they can block similar messages in the future.
Source: Alphastar Capital Management Security Team
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Megan Jones joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as marketing director. Megan and her husband live in Fredericksburg, VA with their German Short Haired Pointer, Gus. Megan is a graduate of Longwood University and holds a degree in communications. Megan is the oldest of Dave Lopez’s three children and not only enjoys working alongside her father, but also with her cousin, Chase, who joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor. Megan is also a fully licensed Life, Health, and Annuity agent. When not at work, Megan enjoys sitting on the back porch with family and friends enjoying food and music.
Amy Anderson joined the ILG Financial team in 2023 as the client relations coordinator. Her responsibilities include scheduling of appointments, annual check-up notifications, and annuity and required minimum distribution assistance. She is a graduate of Harding University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Amy and her husband have two children and she enjoys reading, crocheting, music and spending time with her family.
Terri Center joined the ILG Financial team in 2019 as client services manager. She handles client records, application processing, and gathering information to provide a professional and friendly experience with all of our clients. Terri is a graduate of Oakland University. She is married and has two children. She enjoys hiking, family time, and puzzle challenging video games. She also likes to share her creativity in her canvas paintings and sewing projects.
Jessica Carson joined the ILG Financial team in 2018 as an agent. Jessica and her husband have four children, two dogs, 3 barn cats, 5 chickens, and three parakeets. She indeed loves her children and pets! When not at work, Jessica enjoys playing the piano and cello as well as traveling and spending time outside with her family, hiking, fishing, and boating.
Chase Lopez joined the ILG Financial team in 2020 as an advisor and obtained his