Text message from a scammer posing as the intended victims’ child
17.9.14
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The scammer texts that the child has been injured in a car accident and has been forced to use someone else's phone. The purpose of the scam is to get the recipient to send the fraudster a mobile phone top-up code.
When you buy a mobile top-up, you are given an activation code, which is what the fraudsters are targeting. Once they have the code, they can get the cash credited to their own mobile phone account.
One of Moneywise’s readers, who wished to remain anonymous, initially received this message:
After replying here is what the scammers sent in full:
At this point, she again texted back to ask why her “son” needed an Orange top-up when he was a Vodafone customer - to which came the following replies:
If you receive one of these text messages, don't send any codes or money, delete it.
When you buy a mobile top-up, you are given an activation code, which is what the fraudsters are targeting. Once they have the code, they can get the cash credited to their own mobile phone account.
One of Moneywise’s readers, who wished to remain anonymous, initially received this message:
5.00pm: "Mum thers been a accident I'm in the hospital I'm okay but my friend ain't he's in the ICU ward. Mum it was a seriouse car crash. I don't think he's goin to make it he went threw the window screen of the car. Mum my phone is switched off and not comin on. I'm on this number. The doctor said know phones in the ICU ward so text mum cause this phone has only got texes. I need you to do me a favour. All the hospital phone lines are down. I'm in shock that this has happened. Iv got to see the doctor. Iv just got a minor head injurie. Mum, please hurry and text back to this number. I need you to do me a favour. Xx"
After replying here is what the scammers sent in full:
5.08pm: "Mum Iv got to phone freinds family this phone only has texes. Can you please get to the shop and get a Orange top up voucher and text it threw. I'm going to get seen by doctor then go outside and phone hes family. Mum Iv got to sort this. Please dnt worrie enyone just yet and please get me enuf credit. I wil explain evrything soon. Mum, please get me enuf, £40 top-up im going to be on the phone for ages."
5.11pm: "Please hurry mum. im just goin to see the doctor. Send it as soon as u get it. I wil phone when I go ouside. Please dnt worrie enyone yet until I no what's goin on with my friend."
At this point, she again texted back to ask why her “son” needed an Orange top-up when he was a Vodafone customer - to which came the following replies:
5.13pm: "Know, this ain't my phone mum. It's switched off. This is Orange."
5.14pm: "Mum please hurry. The doctors are movin my friend again."
5.20pm: "U need to text it. I'm stil in the ICU ward."
If you receive one of these text messages, don't send any codes or money, delete it.