The Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (ICBC) is warning customers about a new text message-based scam that has been making the rounds.
ICBC states that the texts ask customers to make payments on unresolved traffic fines or tickets, with threats of service disruption such as drivers license renewals being restricted and additional fees.
The warning explains that the texts are not from their website and should be deleted immediately, noting that ICBC does not use text messages to reach out in regards to driving infractions or outstanding debt.
As well, ICBC does not ask customers to confirm their identity or make payments via links in a text message.
ICBC, in a statement, confirmed work with an external cybersecurity company to report and remove websites linked to the scam text messages and are encouraging those impacted by the scam to contact the police.
ICBC also shared a few helpful tips to prevent being targeted by scammers in the first place:
- Not clicking on links in unsolicited texts
- Always verify that you’re on the correct ICBC website before logging in,
- Not providing personal or financial information in response to a text or email,
- Do not reply to unknown senders or call phone numbers from suspicious text messages.
