Fake text messages targeting parents

Fraudsters are sending out distressing messages to parents in the hope that they will reply and send mobile phone top-up voucher codes.
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iPhone

Victims initially receive a text message from a loved-one which says they are in hospital and that the only way that they can make contact is via text message.

After responding to the message, the fraudsters ask victims to purchase a mobile phone top-up 
code and text it back to them.

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Once the fraudsters have the code, they can get the cash credited to their own mobile phone account.

There are variations of the scam which include shorter versions of the text messages being spammed out by fraudsters.

These messages can quite easily evolve into more elaborate scenarios and are designed to play on your emotions and get you to react quickly without thinking.

If you receive one of these text messages, don’t send any codes or money, delete it and report it.

To report a fraud and receive a police crime reference number, call Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or use our online fraud reporting tool.