Warning over 'Cleaning Superstore' scam sweeping WhatsApp
A warning has been issued over a ‘Cleaning Superstore’ missed delivery text scam on WhatsApp. Cleaning Superstore, which is based in the United Arab Emirates, is at the centre of a new scam doing the rounds.
Cyber criminals are tricking UK citizens into downloading malicious software (known as malware) by sending scam ‘missed parcel' SMS messages. Lisa Webb, a lawyer at the consumer group Which?, says criminals appear to have hacked a genuine account.
“Because the messages appear to come from a verified legitimate business account, recipients are probably going to be more likely to trust the message than one that is not verified or just from a random number,” says Webb.
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“PRCL/GB Sorry we missed you today! Our delivery driver, John attempted to reach you but failed to do so. Visit [phishing link] to redeliver,” the WhatsApp message says.
The scam SMS messages contain links to what appear to be ‘official’ delivery/parcel-tracking apps, which you’re encouraged to install. But the ‘app’ is in fact a type of malware. If installed, this malware can steal your banking details, passwords, and other sensitive information.
The malware will also attempt to access your contact list, and send scam SMS messages to these numbers as well, helping the malware to spread across the world.
Even if you are expecting a parcel, a safer way of tracking its status is to use the official website of the delivery companies.
“Monitor [the account] for any suspicious activity,” says Webb. “Banks can put a [mark] against your account so that suspicious activity is flagged, almost as if they’re keeping an eye out for it for you.
"But this scam is designed to harvest personal and financial information. So that means that you are at greater risk of future fraud, even if no immediate money is lost, which is why it’s absolutely essential that you report.”
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