Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Shutterstock

Android users warned over sophisticated 'missed delivery' text messages attempting to steal personal information

Vodafone Ireland, Eir and Three have all warned customers about the so-called FluBot scam today.

SOPHISTICATED SCAM TEXT messages circulating in Ireland are attempting to steal passwords and personal data through bogus package-tracking links.

The messages typically have a link which claims to contain details of a missed delivery. This link leads to what appears to be the company website but is, in fact, bogus.

The scam is believed to primarily target Android phones, but anyone with a smartphone is being warned to exercise caution.

Vodafone Ireland, Eir and Three have all warned customers about the so-called FluBot scam today, urging users to be cautious about any text messages they receive about a delivery which they are not expecting. 

The National Cybersecurity Centre (NCSC) confirmed that it had received reports of “a spyware software labeled FluBot affecting Android users in Ireland”.

“FluBot is used by malicious parties to steal passwords and sensitive data from the victims’ mobile device. It will access victims’ contacts and spread the malicious application through further text messages”, the centre said.

The link in the text goes to a fake website, prompting the user to download two .apk files, which are banking trojans – malware designed to deceive. Users will then be asked to manually override and allow an untrusted app download.

If you receive such a message, don’t click on any links – if you are expecting a delivery, check its status through the website where you ordered it.

The NCSC said that if victims have downloaded the untrusted app, they should perform a factory reset on their device. If you don’t have backups, you will lose your data, but you should not restore anything installed after you downloaded the untrusted app.

Reset your passwords, and if you have an Android phone, ensure that Google Play Protect is switched on.

Screenshot 2021-06-02 at 12.16.51 An example of the scam text messages circulating in Ireland

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
53 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Charles Williams
    Favourite Charles Williams
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 10:04 PM

    A man who has made a huge contribution to various good causes including peace, hunger, poverty,etc in various parts of the globe through the Carter Center.

    239
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Reg
    Favourite Reg
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 10:07 PM

    A man who did some great work during and after his term as president. I wish him well.

    179
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John Reese
    Favourite John Reese
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 10:16 PM

    Best of luck in your battle jimmy

    152
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute William J Dunphy
    Favourite William J Dunphy
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 10:42 PM

    The greatest ever former President of the United States. A great humanitarian. God bless him the strength to battle this.

    118
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Rashers Tierney
    Favourite Rashers Tierney
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 11:21 PM

    Sorry to hear it. A truly decent man. Hope the treatment works out for him.

    71
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Very fond of
    Favourite Very fond of
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 12:14 AM

    The man is 90 and probably doesn’t have much time left in this world but I wish him well and serenity in his remaining time … Vastly superior to Bush x 2 and Mr Obama

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Brída Kiely
    Favourite Brída Kiely
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 12:46 AM

    Amazing how opinions on Jimmy Carter vary so much. I do not know enough to say whether he was a good president although I think that he seems to be a good person. I wish him well in the time he has left. I would not wish ill on anybody no matter how much I disagree with them or their politics. It serves no useful purpose. Better to wish they have a change of heart!

    22
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Middle Class Cork
    Favourite Middle Class Cork
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 5:09 AM

    Carter only served 1 term as president. He was beaten in 79 by Reagan. During Carters term the Shah was deposed in Iran and Khomeini took over, from this came the Iran hostage crisis. Carter gambled with a rescue attempt, Op. Eagle Claw, which turned into a fiasco at Desert 1. This is what many people believe cost him the election. Sorry to hear about his situation, hope he pulls through.

    21
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute EB
    Favourite EB
    Report
    Aug 12th 2015, 11:55 PM

    The worst president in history of the United States ladies and gentlemen.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Roche
    Favourite Paul Roche
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 12:30 AM

    The President at the worst time for the United States.
    Where was George Bush Senior during Carters tenure?

    26
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Middle Class Cork
    Favourite Middle Class Cork
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 5:04 AM

    He was Director of the CIA.

    14
    See 1 more reply ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Joe Conway
    Favourite Joe Conway
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 10:45 AM

    By what measure EB?

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Neal Ireland Hello
    Favourite Neal Ireland Hello
    Report
    Aug 13th 2015, 8:49 AM

    I thought he died a few years ago so technically this comes as good news.

    2
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds