Covid 19 text scam: Fact check, is this real? Do not click link


The VERIFY team spoke with the Better Business Bureau about a new scheme, in which people are being tricked into downloading malware on their phones.

Is a message circulating by text, email, and around social media offering $1,200 for participating in a COVID-19 vaccine study legit? 

No. The Better Business Bureau is calling this text fake, warning people from clicking on the link. 

The Better Business Bureau, Scam Alert

Federal Trade Commission, Malware Advisory

The VERIFY Team spoke with Kelsey Coleman, the Director of Communications and Public Affairs at the Better Business Bureau. She urged people to be aware of a new scam circulating by text, email, and on social media. 

As interest in a potential COVID-19 vaccine grows, so do the number of people looking to take advantage. Coleman said a text has been circulating, urging people to join a COVID-19 study, which pays up to $1,200. 

The Better Business Bureau is calling this text a scam. 

“Of course there are legitimate clinical studies out there,” Coleman said. “But it’s important to make sure you do your homework.” 

According to an advisory by the Better Business Bureau, clicking on this link could lead to various problems. 

“If you click it,” the advisory reads. “You could unknowingly download malware onto your computer or phone. This virus can give scammers access to your usernames, passwords, and other personal information stored on your computer.”

Source…