Police warn phone users to be wary of SMS frauds

The Police said today that frauds committed through text message services (SMS) were on the rise and urged users of mobile phones to be vigilant when responding to messages about cash prizes.

They said that gullible users continued to fall prey to bogus text messages informing them that they had won some competition or the other.

The text messages urge users to deposit cash into a mentioned account prior to collecting the “prize”.

The gullible individuals are told that the money was to cover transportation, telephone and registration fees.

Police said a large number of people have fallen prey to such scams where prizes are offered to so-called winners through an SMS and warned the public not to fall into such traps.

They said these scammers take cover behind some of the genuine competitions conducted by private

compa- nies using mobile phone SMS services.

The proper procedure is for the individual to be informed by the relevant company to call over at their nearest branch or office and provide the necessary details confirming his or her identity.

One must be extra careful when asked to deposit cash before collecting a prize.

During the past few months the police had received several complaints and several suspects were arrested after their mobile phone numbers were traced.