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SMS scam to steal Credit Card numbers
AND ZIP Codes.

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Scammers Impersonating IC System & Spectrum

White Cloud Security's team has identified another fraudulent smishing campaign impersonating IC System—a legitimate debt collector—while targeting Spectrum customers. The message appears to come from short code 85701 and includes a suspicious link and a toll-free number.

🚨 Threat Summary

  • Sender: Short code 85701
  • Message Content: Claims to be from IC System regarding a Spectrum account
  • Suspicious Link: rv2.io/402ec98 (⚠️ fraudulent domain)
  • Phone Number: 833-755-0413 (⚠️ possibly linked to scam operations)
  • Instructions: "Password is your 5-digit zip" – this is an attempt to collect sensitive personal information.

📮 Why Are They Asking for My ZIP Code?

These scammers craft their message to imply they already know your ZIP Code by stating that the "password is your ZIP Code." This psychological trick gives the impression that the message is legitimate and personal — lowering your guard.

But there’s more at stake than it seems. Your ZIP Code can serve as a key security factor, especially at gas stations and other payment terminals that use ZIP verification to authorize credit card transactions.

By collecting ZIP Codes along with stolen credit card numbers, scammers can resell your card to buyers in the same geographic area. If a fraudster uses your card and provides the correct ZIP Code in your local region, the transaction is less likely to trigger fraud alerts — making the theft harder to detect, and harder for you to dispute.

🧠 Why This Is Suspicious

While IC System is a real debt collector (official site), this message does not align with their standard communication practices. Key concerns:

  • IC System never uses generic short links like rv2.io
  • The 833 number does not match verified IC System contacts
  • Use of urgency and vague threats is classic smishing behavior

📌 Key Indicators of Smishing

Indicator Description
Unknown Short Code Not tied to official SMS channels
Generic URL rv2.io not tied to any verifiable corporate domain
Urgent Call-to-Action “Use your zip” is a red flag for phishing
Toll-Free Number Not linked to verified IC System numbers

✅ How to Protect Yourself

  • Do not click on links from suspicious texts.
  • Do not call numbers in unsolicited messages.
  • Verify with official sources – contact Spectrum or IC System via their legitimate websites.
  • Report smishing attempts by forwarding them to 7726 (SPAM).
  • Use security tools like Trust Lockdown to block untrusted processes that may result from phishing payloads.

📞 Official Contact Numbers

Organization Official Contact
IC System 800-279-7244
Spectrum https://www.spectrum.net/contact-us

🔍 References

White Cloud Security encourages all users to remain alert to fraud and misuse of trusted brand names. If you have questions about how Trust Lockdown can protect your systems from smishing payloads and malware, contact us.