Pitt Information Technology advises students, faculty, and staff to be aware of a new, nationwide text message phishing scam targeting Verizon Wireless customers. The scam arrives as a text message that appears to have been sent by your own phone number. The message indicates that your Verizon bill has been paid and that you can receive a free gift by clicking on a link contained in the message.  

The following is a sample of the recent scam. If you receive this message―or any text message like it that contains a link or asks for a reply―ignore the message and do not click the link.

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"Free Msg: Your bill is paid for March. Thanks, here's a little gift for you."

[Link removed]

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Clicking the link in the text message may direct you to a fraudulent Verizon customer survey that offers you a free Apple Watch and attempts to collect personal information.

Pitt IT strongly recommends that you do not reply to unsolicited texts/emails, or texts/emails from unverifiable sources. In addition, Pitt IT recommends that all students, faculty, and staff install Antivirus and Anti-Malware (Malwarebytes) Protection. Departments can submit a help request to obtain Malwarebytes for multiple machines.

Please contact the Technology Help Desk at 412-624-HELP (4357) if you have any questions regarding this announcement.