Parents in Gedling borough are being targeted with fake messages claiming to be from their injured child in order to trick them into sending funds.
Action Fraud has issued a warning about the fake ’accident text message’ which scams victims out of mobile top-up vouchers,
A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “The messages claim that the victim’s child has been involved in an accident and is in hospital.
“The scam preys on parents’ worst fears in order to trick them into sending mobile top-up vouchers.
“When the victim responds to the fake message, the scammer asks them to buy a mobile phone top-up code and send it to them. Once the code is received, the scammer can credit it to their own account or sell it to someone else.”
A string of similar messages was reported in 2016.
One example message seen by Action Fraud reads: “Mum I did try and phone from some else phone signal is really bad, there has been a terrible car accident. I’m in the ICU ward in hospital my phone isn’t switching on and needs charging.
“I’m on this mobile number please make sure you reply to this number, my friend didn’t make it he died before we got to hospital and his sister’s fighting for her life. Mum I had my seatbelt on, I’ve got a head injury but I’m ok.
“I will go outside and phone you mum its really bad i need you to do me favour before it’s too late, as soon as you get my text please reply by text I need you to do me a favour mum, time is running out and I need you to do something mum.”
There are several versions of this scam with victims also being targeted with shorter messages via WhatsApp.
A spokesperson for Action Fraud said: “If you receive one of these texts, do not respond or send any codes or money, delete it and report it to Action Fraud.
“While some people may not think they are vulnerable to these types of scams, others can fall for it as their emotions can prompt them to act quickly, particularly if they are more prone to worrying.
“It is important to remember if your loved one or family member is in hospital, staff will be able to get in touch with you. They would also never force someone to use a mobile phone that needed credit to activate it.
“One of the quickest ways to debunk this scam is to call your loved one or family member directly on their normal number to make sure they are okay.”
To report a fraud, you can call Action Fraud at 0300 123 2040 or use the online fraud reporting tool.
