Police Warn of New Scam Tactics Involving Portable Phone Masts

Authorities are raising alarms about the risks posed by portable phone masts, which fraudsters use to transmit scam text messages that can easily deceive unsuspecting mobile phone users nearby. Known as SMS Blasters, these devices mimic legitimate phone masts by creating a stronger signal, effectively luring mobile phones away from authentic networks. As a result, offenders can send out deceptive messages that typically appear to be from trusted organizations, including government agencies.

The essence of such scams lies in prompting recipients to click suspicious links, which lead to fraudulent websites where personal and financial information could be illicitly collected. The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) has reported the arrest of seven individuals and the confiscation of several SMS Blasters, highlighting an ongoing effort to tackle this rising threat.

Detective Chief Inspector Paul Curtis from the DCPCU emphasized that scammers constantly develop new methods to exploit vulnerabilities in fraud prevention systems. He stressed the importance of vigilance among consumers, urging them to recognize the signs of potential fraud in text messages. If individuals believe they might have fallen victim to a scam, they should immediately reach out to their bank and report the incident to Action Fraud, a dedicated fraud reporting service.

A spokesperson for Ofcom noted the significant emotional and financial toll these scams can inflict on victims, marking a call for a united front among various organizations to combat these criminal activities effectively. They encouraged the public to report dubious text messages by forwarding them to 7726 or utilizing their messaging app's reporting features, and to act promptly in alerting their banks if they suspect fraud.