Weird Text....

19lottie82

Just got this text message........ Seems a bit odd as it doesn't actually say who it's from? There is no number, it just says "attention" under sender

"Your ebay account details are being reported to HMRC to identify that the correct duty and vat are being paid subject to your trading activity"

Not that I have anything to worry about. I am a business seller but declare my income and pay my taxes. But a bit bizarre???

RFW

That does seem weird.

My guess would be that it's an acquaintance mucking about. The wording is all wrong for it to be anything like official.

19lottie82

As I said though, under sender, instead of a number it just comes up "attention". There is no number, like wen you get a promotional text from a company.

RFW

19lottie82 wrote: »

As I said though, under sender, instead of a number it just comes up "attention". There is no number, like wen you get a promotional text from a company.

I don't really know how that works, it's possibly not too difficult for someone to do. One thing's for certain, if it was HMRC they wouldn't go to the trouble of hiding their name or sending from "attention". HMRC are more likely to send a brown envelope.

gillydee

If this was eBay they wouldn't send something like that via text. Wouldn't worry at all. Theres scams left right and centre nowadays. If your really worried though, best bet is to contact eBay.

19lottie82

In not worried as such. Just a bit confused. Can't even see how it would be a scam
As it contains no link or contact details? Very odd!

gillydee

Hmmm yeh thats odd. Going by that, they could be playing on your curiosity just for that reason. You might feel obliged to hit "phone sender" or reply to "attention". If its a premium rate number...WHAM at the end of the month your hit with a massive bill without even knowing it..those sneaky cats!! :-P

Ting-Tang

I got a text message yesterday that said PAYPAL under sender.
It said something like "Your paypal account has been locked, click the link to unlock it".
Obviously I didn't click it, but checked out my Paypal account later on and it was all fine.
Scammers and jokers everywhere.

forgotmyname

I wonder if there is a text service thats end joke/fake texts?

Know anyone that would do something like that?

StumpyPumpy

This may just be the first stage of a scam. Next stage may be to email you or call you up claiming to be HMRC and asking you for information: "We have recently been asked to investigate your business activities on eBay, can you confirm your..."

Using different attack vectors such as SMS followed by a phone call or email can make people more susceptible to social engineering as many people subconsciously believe one validates the other: "No, they can't be the same person, the last one was a text message, not a phone call." etc. etc.

SP