PARENTSHIELD MOBILE NETWORK CAUTIONS AGAINST SMS SCAM TEXTS

UK Mobile Network, ParentShield, has notified parents to be on guard with their children’s smartphones as they report a twofold increase in scam attempts over the last 12 months.

According to a media release, the firm has noticed a continuous trend of targeting children to double-cross parents and execute their scam. The scammers send genuine, well-crafted messages through SMS to parents. The messages sent are usually emotion-centered and causes parents to act immediately without enough thought.

An example they cited were messages directed at mothers from their children. The scammers impersonate the children of parents by using messages to convince them that these children are in trouble. Then, they (scammers) use that strategy to extort monies from parents.

We have seen scam SMS messages of all types double in frequency of the last 12 months. What is particularly concerning are the messages specifically targeting parents concerned for their child,” says Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of ParentShield, Graham Tyers

ParentShield is also using this report to help parents understand the longstanding dangers, considering the presentation of smartphones to children during the festive season. Children using phone for the first time as well as others who have more knowledge on these matters can share instances of scam messages and how to deal with them.