In the wake of a recent network outage, which left Verizon customers without service for nearly ten hours, new threats have emerged that target those awaiting compensation. Reported by software firm Guardio and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia, scammers are looking to exploit this situation by impersonating Verizon and offering nonexistent account credits. Customers are advised to exercise caution to protect their personal information in this time of uncertainty.

Verizon customers impacted by the outage are now receiving misleading messages from scammers claiming to offer account credits. These fraudulent communication attempts typically arrive through email or text, promising customers a credit for the inconvenience caused by the outage. Unfortunately, clicking on links provided in these messages often leads to malicious sites designed to steal sensitive information.

Real vs phony text. | Image Credit - Guardio

Following the service disruption caused by a software issue, Verizon is offering up to $200 in account credits to affected customers. However, scammers are taking advantage of the situation by sending out messages that lead to fake "Member Verification" pages. These sites aim to gather personal information such as credit card details and account logins.

Official messages from Verizon will always come from verified short codes and include links redirecting to the legitimate MyVerizon app (with a verified domain). If you receive a message from an unfamiliar number or one that does not include a valid Verizon URL, it is likely a phishing attempt.

Sketchy texts can lead to a fake Verizon website. | Image Credit - Guardio

The Jones County Sheriff’s Office has warned individuals to avoid clicking on any suspicious links claiming to provide account credits. These could lead to infringements on personal security, including malware infections and identity theft. Customers should exercise patience and wait for official notifications through the MyVerizon app.

Do NOT click any link that claims to offer credits. This could be a scam aimed at stealing your private information or infecting your device with malware.

Many customers expressed dissatisfaction with the compensation offers provided by Verizon, which could further fuel scammers’ attempts to deceive. As Verizon continues to assist its customers post-outage, consumers are reminded to stay vigilant and only communicate through verified channels to avoid falling victim to fraud.