If you get a Text Message from Yourself, Do Not Answer

Verizon customers have been very confused as of late. Many of the mobile carriers’ customers have complained that they’re receiving spam text messages from their own cell phone number. If you receive one of these menacing text messages, do not click on it.

On Sunday, March 27, a thread started on Verizon’s community forum that detailed a recent increase in spam texts informing recipients that they’ve paid their March bill, and that they can get a free gift by clicking on the link in the text message.

"We can't block ourselves..........what's the solution Verizon?" one customer asked of Verizon. Another customer who reported getting the message said that the link redirects them to a Russian State-Operated Live TV broadcast.

Chris Welch, a journalist at The Verge, wrote that he was directed to the website of Channel One Russia, as state TV network, when he clicked on the link in the text message he received. Once at the site they offered him a free gift.  The Biden administration cautioned organizations to be alert for cyberattacks following Russia’s attack on Ukraine.

Verizon has advised the customers to avoid clicking the link, saying the best response is to delete the message.

"Verizon is aware that bad actors are sending spam text messages to some customers which appear to come from the customers' own number," the company stated in an email to CBS MoneyWatch. "Our team is actively working to block these messages, and we have engaged with U.S. law enforcement to identify and stop the source of this fraudulent activity. Verizon continues to work on behalf of the customer to prevent spam texts and related activity." 

Story via CBS News