Following a widespread Verizon service outage that affected over 1.5 million customers last Wednesday, scammers have begun targeting users with phishing messages promising a $20 credit. Verizon had announced the credit as compensation for the disruption, but fraudsters are exploiting the offer to steal personal information.
The company stated that customers would receive a text notification when the credit is available in their myVerizon app, requiring only a login to accept. However, scammers are sending fake texts and emails urging recipients to click links and provide sensitive data such as login credentials or financial details.
The Jones County Sheriff's Office in Georgia issued a warning on Facebook, advising residents not to click any links claiming to offer the $20 credit. “Legit companies like Verizon will not send unsolicited links promising free credits,” the office stated, noting that scammers use such tricks to obtain personal information.
To avoid falling victim, customers should access their account directly through the official Verizon app or website rather than clicking links in messages. The credit does not require providing additional personal information beyond the usual account login.
As of now, neither the Federal Trade Commission nor the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau has released a statement on the scam, but local authorities urge vigilance.
