It's for you...WARNING: mobile phone users beware!

The latest mobile phone scam could affect anyone. You may get a call from someone saying that they are an engineer and need to test your 'line'. You will be asked to press '90#' or '09#' to enable this.

End the call immediately, as pressing the requested numbers will allow them access to your unique SIM card number, inside your mobile handset. They can use this number to 'clone' a stolen phone with your number, leaving you with an enormous bill.

Any such attempts should be reported immediately to the Police and to your telephone service provider. The theft of mobile phones has become a very lucrative business. Each stolen mobile probably contains between 20 and 100 stored numbers, some of which are of other mobiles. Telephoning these numbers (and others) with a 'line' testing request is likely to yield several useable SIM numbers. Most stolen handsets can easily be programmed with the stolen SIM number and sold to 'unsuspecting' punters down the local pub or social centre for £50 or more "... with no bills to pay, ever..."

(If only they could 'clone' uniformed police patrols...)

© Covent Garden Community Association, 29^th January 2000

 

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