News

How To Avoid This Text Message Scam

Avatar photo

12 June 2017

By Lauren H

In recent years, scammers have used our reliance on mobile phones to their advantage, with SMS phishing (also known as smishing) posing a significant threat.

According to a spokesman for the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau,

“They’ll send you a text message that asks you to reply with your personal or banking details, or to call or text a premium-rate number they have created to run up a large bill.”

A number of scammers have also attempted to contact victims as their banking provider, receiving personal information and then using this to con them.

So, if you’ve recently received a text from your ‘bank’ asking for personal details, or have noticed something out of the ordinary, then please do report it. You can contact Action Fraud at http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or call 0300 123 2040.

Even if you haven’t noticed anything strange, please remain vigilant.

If you receive a suspicious text, or phone call, hang up the phone, wait 10 minutes, and call the bank. DON’T call the number you have been contacted on, or any new number you may be given – find the contact number on the back of your card, or on a bank statement.

Like this article? Please share!

  •
    Books Best Book Series: Percy Jackson and the Olympians
    This Percy Jackon and the Olympians series came about when the author Rick Riordan’s son requested yet another bedtime story based on the Ancient Greek myths. This collection of books has been a huge hit with everyone from primary school upwards. The stories follow the life of Percy Jackson, a demi-god and son of Poseidon. […]
    Read Full Article
  • Editorials Mastering Politics: The Power of the Prime Minister
    Understanding politics isn’t easy – let alone trying to understand the role of the most important person in Britain: the Prime Minister. This week’s Mastering Politics is all about the power of the prime minister and how much of it they really have. What is the role of the prime minister? The prime minister’s (PM) […]
    Read Full Article
  • Editorials What do women want?
    What do women want? This question has been asked by millions of men (and women) over and over again. It seems to be something so complex and confusing, worthy of in-depth study and deliberation. Here’s the simple answer: balance. You wouldn’t believe it if I told you, but women actually just want to be treated […]
    Read Full Article
  • Food Food Review: Las Iguanas, Newcastle
    4/5 If you love a good theme, Las Iguanas is a restaurant you might like to try. The Latin American-style chain has restaurants all over the country, but I recently popped into the one on Grey Street just down from the Theatre Royal. As always, the restaurant itself is pristine and the atmosphere is super […]
    Read Full Article
  • Books Book Review: 1984 by George Orwell
    1/5 1984 is always cited as one of the best books ever written. It’s supposed to be intelligent, sharp and profound. Instead, I found it to be dull, rambling and unremarkable. Oh, and rampantly sexist. George Orwell was clever – I’ve read his essays and I like them. But 1984? It was hard to believe […]
    Read Full Article
  • health The Best Songs for Sleep
    For many people, getting to sleep is a hugely difficult thing. For some, it just comes to them naturally every night. Yet, for whatever reason, so many people choose to have a sleep playlist. If you’re looking for the best additions to yours, you’ve come to the right place. Here’s our favourite tried-and-tested songs for […]
    Read Full Article