Police warn of a new device called the “SMS blaster” that criminals are using to send fraudulent text messages, bypassing mobile networks’ anti-spam measures.
Why it matters: The SMS blaster tricks phones into connecting to a fake network, allowing scammers to send texts without obtaining victims’ numbers, making it harder for authorities to track and prevent these scams.
The details:
- The device functions as an illegitimate phone mast, masquerading as a legitimate network access point.
- Once connected, the SMS blaster sends fake messages that appear genuine, often imitating government bodies or trusted organizations.
- These texts contain malicious links that lead to websites designed to steal personal and financial information.
Authorities in the US and UK advise mobile users to forward suspicious messages to 7726 for investigation.
Recent incidents:
- In the UK, a man was jailed for over a year for using an SMS blaster to send fraudulent messages to tens of thousands of potential victims across London.
- Denise Welch, a well-known figure, lost £2,000 in a phone scam related to these devices.
- The Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU) has arrested seven individuals and seized seven SMS blasters in connection with these scams.
Det Ch Insp Paul Curtis of the DCPCU warned, “Criminals are sophisticated and will continuously make attempts to bypass fraud prevention measures designed to protect consumers. It’s vital for customers to remain vigilant against potential threats of fraud, especially via text messages.”
What you can do: To protect yourself, disable 2G networks on your smartphone if possible, as these older networks are more vulnerable to SMS blaster attacks. Additionally, filter texts from unknown numbers and remain cautious of suspicious messages.
The bigger picture: As scam tactics evolve, public awareness and vigilance against phishing and smishing threats are crucial. Authorities urge people to report suspicious texts and contact their banks immediately if they suspect they have been scammed.