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Verizon customers impacted by outage warned against new threat

Verizon customers waiting to be compensated are being pursued by cybercriminals.

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By Anam Hamid

Published: Jan 19, 2026, 7:08 PM

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Verizon Wireless service

Verizon | Image Credit - Broadband Breakfast

Scammers are targeting Verizon customers awaiting account credit for last week's outage, according to software company Guardio (via Forbes) and the Jones County Sheriff’s Office in Georgia.

Never give out your details

Real vs phony text. | Image Credit - Guardio

On Wednesday, hundreds of thousands of Verizon customers lost service for almost ten hours. The company said that a software issue brought its network down and is attempting to make amends by offering an account credit of $20, though some customers were able to get credits as high as $200.

Verizon has notified customers that it will provide updates on when the credit is ready to be redeemed via the myVerizon app.

Cybercriminals are trying to cash in on the situation by impersonating Verizon and telling users that they can use points to win prizes. These messages contain links that take customers to a phony "Member Verification" website to siphon off credit card and login information.

Sketchy texts take customers to a fake Verizon website. | Image Credit - Guardio

What may confuse customers is that Verizon's text also includes a link to MyVerizon. The legitimate text mentions Verizon's shortened domain vzw.com, though, and redirects you to the MyVerizon app. Also, the official text will come from Verizon's verified short codes, while a fraudulent message typically arrives from an unfamiliar ten-digit number.

To be on the safe side, be patient and wait for the credit to show up in the app. Otherwise, if a link takes you to a website that asks for sensitive details, avoid providing information.

Yahoo also reports that Georgia's Jones County Sheriff’s Office is warning Verizon customers against scammers who are claiming to be from Verizon. These bad actors are offering credits to customers via email and text. Clicking on links included in the messages could lead to malware infection and information theft.

If you can't tell a legitimate message from a shady one, it's best to call Verizon to verify the offer.

Do NOT click the link. This is a scam designed to steal your personal info, account details, or infect your device with malware.

Georgia's Jones County Sheriff’s Office , January 2025

This is the last thing Verizon customers need

Last week was difficult enough for customers, many of whom believe a $20 credit is insufficient. Some customers were able to get more by telling Verizon that $20 didn't make up for their loss. In most cases, customers who got $50, $100, or $200 were those who relied on Verizon's service to earn a living. Verizon seemingly looks at usage history to verify these claims.

While it's good to see that Verizon isn't rigid with the credit, scammers have likely seen this as an opportunity to lure people with prizes or more generous credits.

Have you or anyone you know been targeted by a scam like this?

Be on your guard

Verizon customers have been angry with the carrier for the service disruption, and scammers are trying to capitalize on negative emotions. Sophisticated schemes can confuse anyone, which is why you should only trust known sources and avoid fishy texts.

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Anam Hamid is a computer scientist turned tech journalist who has a keen interest in the tech world, with a particular focus on smartphones and tablets. She has previously written for Android Headlines and has also been a ghostwriter for several tech and car publications. Anam is not a tech hoarder and believes in using her gadgets for as long as possible. She is concerned about smartphone addiction and its impact on future generations, but she also appreciates the convenience that phones have brought into our lives. Anam is excited about technological advancements like folding screens and under-display sensors, and she often wonders about the future of technology. She values the overall experience of a device more than its individual specs and admires companies that deliver durable, high-quality products. In her free time, Anam enjoys reading, scrolling through Reddit and Instagram, and occasionally refreshing her programming skills through tutorials.

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