Scammers target "accident victims"
May 11, 2010
A scam is going on at the moment which is trying to fool mobile phone users into giving their bank details through the sending of bogus text messages encouraging people to make accident compensation claims. Bulk texts sent out to randomly generated numbers alert people to a possibility that they could be owed money from an accident. However, these accidents have never actually happened and it is part of an elaborate phishing scam designed to extract users bank details. The bogus text, which has reportedly only targeted Vodafone subscribers and comes from what looks like a regular mobile phone number, reads as follows: FREEMSG: Our records indicate you may be entitled to 3750 pounds for the Accident you had. To claim for free reply with YES to this msg. To opt out text STOP." If the user responds to the message, it confirms to the scammer that the number is "live" and they begin to try and extract more information. A shameless and frightening attempt to make money out of our profession and the so-called "compensation culture". Vodafone users be warned!