SCAM WATCH

BEWARE fraudsters offering free mobile upgrades ahead of the new iPhone launch.

The crooks pose as telecoms providers.

Customers are often asked to pass a fake security check. But this is an attempt to harvest your personal details, fraud prevention firm Cifas warns.

The number of identity fraud cases involving telecoms products jumped 17 pc in the first six months, with those aged between 31 and 50 hit hardest.

Amber Burridge of Cifas, says: ‘Criminals are always ready to take advantage of new product launches.’ If in doubt, hang up and forward scam text messages to 7726.’