There have been multiple reports of a new text message scam circulating where criminals masquerading as Tesco are claiming victims have won a free iPhone.
This is not the only scam where criminals pretend to be Tesco, as we reported a ‘package waiting’ and ‘free Tesco voucher scam’ earlier this year.
With this scam, criminals ask for bank details to pay for a delivery charge for the free iPhone, but this is a cunning ploy to get hold of your bank details.
I've got a text from @Tesco saying I've won a iPhone. It's now asking me to pay £1.30 for insured delivery & asking for card details. Is this a scam?
— Snowdon (@JulianSnowdon) June 9, 2019
In some cases, the scammers claim your name is high up on its ‘August list’ and requests you claim your winnings – an iPhone XS – by clicking on the link.
After answering a few questions, the scammers try and entice people with a ‘special offer’ where they can get a free iPhone XS and XS MAX if they sign up to a site for only £2.
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Tesco has been quick to confirm these are indeed scams.
If you have been targeted, Tesco recommends sending a screenshot to phishing@uk.tesco.com and deleting the message without clicking on any links.
Hi @Tesco, I think someone is trying a scam using your name! Feel free to let me know where I can really collect my iPhone XS 😁 pic.twitter.com/afDSADBXCd
— Amy Pimlott (@akpmii) August 7, 2019
How to stay safe
These types of scams are depressingly common, but always remember a supermarket will never randomly contact you for information in exchange for a prize.
Usually, a big giveaway of a scam will be glaring grammatical errors but, in this case, there are none.
Of course, never click on any links and offer any personal details if you’re unsure if it’s a scam.
It’s best to check with customer services of the company in question and look up any contact information separately.
Don’t be fooled by any claims 'the queue will close soon' or that there are a 'limited number of prizes remaining'.
These are tactics scammers use to encourage you to decide quickly without thinking, so don't get pressured into acting.
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