Law enforcement officers are warning iPhone users about a text message that is being used to steal personal information.
The Hampden County, Massachusetts, Sheriff’s Office said Tuesday that people have been reporting a specific text that claims an “investigation is being finalized” against them and that if they don’t respond immediately, they will face “further legal action.”
It also contains a fake case number, a phone number to call and a link to listen to a voice message.
Clicking the link could lead to malware being installed on your device to access your personal information, the sheriff’s office warned.
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“These scammers want to scare people into acting before thinking,” Sheriff Nick Cocchi said in a statement.
Even if the caller ID appears to be from a legitimate agency, “it is likely spoofed using Internet-based services,” the sheriff’s office noted.
“Law enforcement will never call, text or email to demand money, resolve a warrant, or conduct official business. If you receive a message like this, do not engage — delete it and report it,” Cocchi said.
This latest scam text creates a sense of urgency and fear, demanding money to take care of legal action — though it’s just one of many scams targeting iPhone users.
Earlier this month, iPhone users were receiving a text instructing them to authorize a payment or contact a fraudulent support line if it is not authorized, lest they be debited the amount charged.
If you receive a message like that, expert sources recommend avoiding interaction with the sender and not clicking links.