Police warning about bogus text messages used to hack into mobile phones
Police and council officials in Wolverhampton are warning people to beware of rogue mobile phone messages that enable hackers to tap into people’s bank details.
There have been a number of reports of text messages being sent out – particularly across the Wednesfield area – telling phone owners that they need to contact a given number regarding their TV licences.
Councillor Phil Bateman said he had been in touch with local police after hearing about people who had clicked on the link sent to them in a text, and then found out later that their personal details – including bank accounts – had been compromised.
"Somebody, whether it’s an individual or a group of people, has been managing to access the mobile phone numbers of a lot of people, many of whom would appear to be from this area,” he said.
"This is a very serious matter that I want to make as many people as possible aware of. What happens is they receive a phone message requesting that they contact the number included in the text, but if they click on it or call it then their personal details are being hacked into.
"Please – anyone who receives one of these fraudulent texts, do not respond to it and report the matter to police, who are already aware of this scam and are looking into it."
Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Steve Cosford, from Wednesfield Police, said: “We want to make people aware of this latest spate of bogus text messages being sent to mobile phones in the area.
“They concern messages around TV licences, stating that if you have not got a TV licence then you need to contact the number on the message straight away.
"Whatever you do, don’t click on the link, as this will give the people sending the messages direct access to your bank details and they will be able to take money from your account. If anyone receives one of these messages they should contact Action Fraud immediately."
