SENIOR NEWS

By Matilda Charles Scam Messages on Cellphones

Somehow my cellphone number ended up on somebody’s list. Now I’m receiving daily text messages saying that my Amazon Prime account is about to be canceled for nonpayment -- unless I immediately click the link and give them my credit card number. Some of the messages say the account has already been canceled but I can get it back by -- you guessed it -- giving them my credit card number within an hour.

I don’t think so.

I’m on a phone list for Net ix as well. I called Net ix and no, my account is not about to be suspended. Said the representative: “You’re on automatic pay. If somehow a payment isn’t made, it’s our fault for not processing it.”

If you’re getting those “you’re late” messages on your cellphone, beware. Don’t accidentally touch the link in the message. It will take you to a website that looks real but is not, and just connecting to it can download a virus on your phone. Back out carefully and delete the text message. Take your time.

Don’t try to contact the scammers to ask to be taken o their list. It only veri es that yours is a good number and it will be sold to others.

If you want to report these scams, go to reportfraud. c. gov.