The email message below: "For security purposes, your online account has been locked," is a phishing scam. The email message was not sent by Verizon Wireless, and was designed to steal the recipients' Verizon usernames and passwords, by attempting to lure them to a fake Verizon website, by claiming that their online accounts have been locked and they need to click on a link, to sign-in and verify their accounts.
The Verizon Phishing Email Scam
Subject: For security purposes, your online account has been locked.
For security purposes, your online account has been locked.
To restore your account, please click : Sign into My Verizon and proceed with the verification process.
www.ajwill.com/Verizon-Wireless/
© 2014 Verizon
If the recipients click on any of the links in the email message, they will be taken to the fake and malicious Verizon website www.ajwill.com.
The fake website www.ajwill.com looks exactly like the legitimate Verizon Wireless website located at http://www.verizonwireless.com/.
Whatever you do, do not enter your Verizon Wireless sign in or login information on the fake and malicious website.
If you try to sign-in to the fake website by entering your userID / cellphone number and password, it will be sent to the scammers behind the bogus website. With your sign-in information, these scammers will be able to gain access to your account.
With access to your account, they may deactivate your device, add their own and rack up international calls and internet usage. They may also steal your identity.
If you were tricked into entering your sign-in information on the malicious website, please change your password.
How can I change my password for My Verizon?
You can change your password online:
If you are unable to change your password, please contact Verizon by telephone at 1-800-VERIZON.
Scammers will be creating more bogus websites and phone recordings to lure persons into their traps. If you receive any e-mails, text messages, or phone calls claiming that you have won something and that you need to go to a particular website in order to claim your prize, please contact Verizon at 1-800-VERIZON to verify the promotion.
This scam is similar to the following: