Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

 

[Thecheesequeen]

“Expiration” is the key word in this instance.. In Australia we say “expiry”.

 

[darrellh]

And as far as I am aware Flybuys points don't expire anyway and it would not be Coles contacting you regarding these points anyway!

 

[IAN3005]

Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

View attachment 25755

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

I don't participate in ANY of the potential scams. If I receive an email from any business I automatically delete it without opening it. ALL schemes are a marketing ploy.

 

[Ruffels]

Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

View attachment 25755

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

 

[Ruffels]

When you get an email

Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

View attachment 25755

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

 

[mustang]

Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

View attachment 25755

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

I got this message last friday on my phone,I replied with 7226 which goes straight to telstra and blocked it

 

[Babbie]

Loyalty points don’t expire. That is the first sign of a possible scam

 

[Tygie]

Nowadays, it's common to be part of loyalty programs offered by the stores you frequently visit. These membership programs have helped us save money on numerous occasions.

Given that groceries often account for a significant portion of our regular expenses, it's no wonder that many of us have signed up for loyalty schemes with our favourite supermarkets.

If you happen to frequent Coles, and have a loyalty points membership (Flybuys) with them, then we'd like to provide you with a bit of advice: If you receive any texts asking you to claim 'bonus points', don't click on them.

That's because scammers have begun to impersonate Coles in an attempt to trick customers into clicking on their links so they can phish for their data.

It's one of the downfalls of this wonderfully-convenient digital age we live in—the only place we're likely to encounter such a fraudulent trick like this is on our phones.

View attachment 25755

Coles shoppers are being urged to watch out for any text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points they are yet to use. Credit: Scamwatch, Unsplash/Robin_rednine.

According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the texts at first appear innocent and usually warn customers that their loyalty points will soon expire.

They'll often be accompanied by a link to a website, just a few words away from calling out to you and claiming your offer.

'Your Coles points balance is about to expire. Please redeem as soon as possible to avoid expiration,' is one example of a malicious text sent out by scammers.

What less-savvy Coles shoppers, unfortunately, don't realise is that by clicking on this URL, they are taken to a third-party website and asked for their credit card details, banking information, or other sensitive personal information.

This is then sold to criminal organisations for profit.

To protect yourself, the ACCC has provided a list of guidelines for dealing with text phishing. For starters, they ask that you exercise caution if you encounter a text claiming to be from a bank or trusted organisation asking for personal information updates or verifications.

You can determine if the text is legitimate by using an internet search engine to research any similar scams. Because the internet never forgets, you'll likely be able to quickly turn up any reports related to a potential scam.

Additionally, before providing any sensitive data, the ACCC asks that you ensure the security of websites you visit by looking for the secure symbol (most commonly a padlock icon).

You should also never divulge your credit card, personal info, or online account details over the phone, even if the caller claims to be from a bank or reputable organisation. It's much safer to contact your bank directly if there's any doubt.

Key Takeaways

• Coles shoppers are being warned about a new phishing scam where they receive text messages claiming they have 'bonus' shopping points.
• The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) advises against clicking any links in the suspicious text and to instead access points through the official supermarket app.
• The scamming texts usually include a link that directs the victim to a third-party website asking for their credit card or banking details.
• The ACCC recommends immediately contacting your bank or financial institution if you suspect you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer.

If you believe that you may have unknowingly provided your account details to a scammer, the ACCC urges you to contact them directly and report any phishing attempts.

By doing so, you'll be helping to spread awareness of this issue and protecting your fellow Coles shoppers from falling victim to such fraudulent scams.

Just remember: Never click on a text message asking you to claim unused points from your Coles loyalty scheme, and you'll be much more likely to keep digital predators at bay.

So, members, have any of you recently received text messages supposedly from 'Coles'? If you have, remember what to do! Ignore these scammers, or even better, report the number and block them on your phone.

Stay safe always, everyone!

I don't get texts from them so i delete anything that i know i don't get texts from (which is everything unless i created the text by the login process or family/friends). And i never click on links in emails or texts (not unless i am 1000% sure i trust them and even then it is in it's own tab). Everything runs through the anti-virus suite as it opens too which will not let a site open if it contains anything dangerous.

I dislike texts, but HATE notifications. I turned off all volumes on my phone after the SCAM/SPAM calls. (Don't get me started about that 'useless' do not call register which is a total joke and never works!) Also if i don't answer then there's no way some scam is going to get my voice to use for their scams either. I tried not saying anything when i answered calls but the caller seemed to just hang up. Most of the scam calls are a recording anyway but you never know what capability they have embedded.

Blocking calls/texts doesn't work as they just try from a different number and probably have hundreds.

If in doubt go to the app or website (by typing in the website) and check your messages or offers etc. don't trust the random texts/notifications/emails etc.