Experts warn mobile phone customers over dangerous text scam

Be wary of a new scam targeting Three mobile users (Picture: Getty)

Three mobile customers are being warned over a dangerous scam as fraudsters attempt to steal their personal details.

The scam takes the form of a text, which impersonates the network claiming there are ‘points’ in users’ accounts that expire within three working days.

However, be careful, as the link sent to ‘redeem the points for available rewards’ leads to a malicious phishing site which attempts to steal personal details.

The text says: ‘Hi from Three: We’ve notice that the Three points in your account (5340 points) will expire in 3 workingdays.

‘Please redeem the points for available rewards in time.’

The text then provides the scam link to visit for ‘moreinformation’.

Example of a Three text scam (Picture: Which?)

There is one easy way to spot that this message is a scam. The bad grammar, highlighted by the lack of spaces between ‘workingdays’ and ‘moreinformation’ as well as ‘We’ve notice’, indicate the message is not from an official organisation.

Another easy way to spot that this particular message is a scam is that, very simply, Three does not give out points.

It should be noted that Three does hand out rewards through its Three+ app – but not in the form of points and these rewards are accessible via the app or any web browser.

A Three spokesperson said: ‘Being a victim of fraud is a frustrating and scary experience.

‘The fight against fraud is constantly evolving due to the changing tactics of criminals, so we are constantly investing in our systems to detect threats and train our staff.

‘We urge customers not to respond to any suspicious messages, especially if the website does not look legitimate. If you’re still not sure, contact the organisation directly that seems to have sent you the message to see if it’s from them.’

Consumer champion Which? states that scam texts can be reported to 7726, where people in the UK can flag unwanted SMS messages of phone calls on a mobile phone.

The number 7726 was chosen as it spells out SPAM on an alphanumeric phone keypad.

How to spot a scam

There are a few ways to spot a text scam:

• Scammers try to use authority, often pretending to be from your bank, doctor, a solicitor, or a government department.
• They will often instill a sense of urgency to the message, giving you have a limited time to respond such as ‘within 24 hours’ or ‘immediately’.
• Scammers try to evoke emotion by making you panic, fearful, hopeful or curious. They also tease a sense of scarcity as having a fear of missing out on a good deal or opportunity can make you respond quickly.
• Some more sophisticated scams also use current events to make their message look more realistic.

Source: National Cyber Security Centre

What to do if you have fallen victim to a text scam

If you think you have been a victim of a text scam, report it to Action Fraud as soon as possible, which can be done by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting the Action Fraud website.

Action Fraud is the reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Reports of fraud and any other financial crime in Scotland should be made to Police Scotland via 101.

It is also important to notify your bank as soon as possible of any possible fraud activity that may show up on your bank details to protect you from further financial loss.

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