Telecom fraud text attempts remain a significant and persistent issue worldwide. Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics to trick unsuspecting individuals into sharing personal information, clicking on malicious links, or transferring money. Telecom fraud text

UK iPhone and Android users are being urged to stay vigilant after a surge in fake texts that claim a parcel delivery has been missed. These messages have been targeting consumers since the pandemic but it appears there’s been an explosion in recent months with Three Mobile now feeling the need to issue an urgent warning to its millions of customers.

Three UK warning Telecom fraud text

Three says that, since the start of the year, it’s managed to block a staggering 20 million fraudulent messages from reaching users but some are slipping through the net.

Parcel delivery messages are hugely popular with scammers as so many of us now shop online and are often waiting for a package to arrive at the front door. Scammers have also gotten smarter over the years and often make it appear that the text has come from household names such as the Royal Mail, DHL, and UPS.

If fooled, users are usually taken to a fake website – via a link in the text – where they are asked to fill in their details and pay a small fee for redelivery. Once those details are handed over, cyber thieves can then steal money from accounts.

It’s a growing issue with the latest research from Citizens Advice, suggesting that almost half (49%) of people targeted by scammers are a victim of malicious parcel delivery scams, with 84% of 18-24 years being targeted, usually through text or mobile messaging.

Even if you are expecting a delivery, be very careful before opening a text from a courier company and only click on the link if you are 100% sure the message is real.

Firms will never ask for money to be paid for redelivery and handing over any credit card or bank details is always a bad idea.

Speaking about the latest threat, Mark Fitzgerald, Director of Finance & Fraud said: “The ‘missed parcel’ scam has been around for a while, but online shoppers are more vulnerable at this time of year with summer deals and holiday shopping. Our fraud prevention team is working hard to block fraudulent messages and advise our customers on the latest watchouts so they can rest stay alert. “If you’re expecting a delivery and you receive a ‘missed parcel’ message, do not click on any text links you receive. Use official apps or websites to track your parcel. Any texts that look suspicious, forward the message to 7726, the free spam-reporting service.”

Virgin Media O2 issues fake text message warning too

Virgin Media is sending out an urgent warning to all UK users that ignoring certain text messages could prove costly. Virgin Media O2, indicates a noticeable uptick in cybercriminal activity with an increase in ‘ECO4’ energy efficiency grant text reports.

These texts promise “free” home upgrades but are nothing more than bait for unsuspecting individuals to surrender their personal payment data. Currently, energy scams rank as the fourth-most frequently reported and blocked texts on Virgin Media O2’s mobile network.

“The rise in fraudulent messages linked to government schemes designed to tackle fuel poverty shows that scammers will stop at nothing when it comes to targeting their victims,” says Murray Mackenzie, Director of Fraud at Virgin Media O2.

In addition to energy scam texts, Virgin highlights the notorious ‘Hi Mum/Hi Dad’ messages where fraudsters impersonate someone’s child texting from a new or friend’s mobile number because their phone is broken, lost or stolen – as continuing to top the list.

These scams have been circulating for some time and continue to trick people, with some losing hundreds of pounds to hackers.

The ‘Hi Mum/Hi Dad‘ threat was followed by counterfeit bank payment texts, and bogus package delivery texts, where fraudsters pose as reputable and trusted companies to deceive people into revealing sensitive information.

If you receive a suspicious text, it’s advisable to forward it to 7726. This free service scrutinizes texts and can then prevent others from receiving them.

Virgin Media O2 reports that it succeeded in blocking 89 million texts from reaching customers in 2023, but inevitably some will slip through the net, which is why it’s crucial to remain alert.

Telecom Fraud in the EU: A Persistent Challenge

Telecom fraud is a significant and growing problem in the EU. Similar to the global trend, scammers are increasingly targeting European consumers with a variety of tactics, including those mentioned in your previous query (phishing, smishing, OTP scams, etc.).

Key Challenges and Trends:

• High Financial Losses: Telecom fraud costs the European telecom industry billions of euros annually.
• Diverse Fraud Types: The landscape is broad, encompassing everything from international revenue share fraud and PBX hacking to the more consumer-focused scams like smishing and phishing.
• Evolving Tactics: Fraudsters are constantly adapting, making it difficult for authorities and telecom providers to stay ahead.
• Cross-Border Nature: Many scams operate across national borders, complicating law enforcement efforts.
• Impact on Consumer Trust: The prevalence of scams erodes consumer trust in telecom providers and online services.

Specific Examples of Fraud in the EU:

• Wangiri Fraud: This involves a scammer making brief calls to a large number of people, hoping they will call back a premium-rate number.
• SIM Swap Fraud: Criminals trick mobile operators into transferring a phone number to a new SIM card, gaining access to online accounts.  
• Subscription Fraud: Fraudsters sign up for mobile services using stolen identities or fraudulent payment methods.

It’s important to note that the situation is constantly evolving. New types of scams emerge regularly, and the tactics used by fraudsters become increasingly sophisticated.

How can you spot a delivery scam text?

Delivery scam texts often contain information about failed delivery attempts and include fake tracking links. Key red flags to look out for are:

• Random phone numbers
• Poorly written English
• Texts that rush you to act
• A lack of real information about your parcel
• A web link that contains additional text

If you are expecting a delivery, the warnings are clear. Only use official websites to check the status of the parcel and be very careful when clicking on any links sent to you in a text message.

How to Protect Yourself: Telecom fraud text

• Be Wary of Unexpected Messages: Avoid clicking links or downloading attachments from unknown senders.
• Verify Information: If a message seems suspicious, contact the company directly using a verified phone number or website.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
• Report Suspicious Activity: Inform your mobile carrier and relevant authorities about scam attempts.
  

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