18 February 2008
In a drive to raise awareness about scams the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has sent out thousands of fake scam text messages to 18-24 year-old mobile phone users.
Sent out as part of Scams Awareness Month, the message reads: "Urgent! U may have won £1k cash with '2 Good 2 B True."
The OFT said around six per cent of all scam victims are aged between 15 and 24, and they lose money to a variety of mass marketed frauds each year.
Fake scam messages from the OFT are followed shortly afterwards by a second text that makes clear that there is in fact no prize.
Mike Haley, Director of Consumer Protection at the organisation, said: "Young people can fall for exactly the same types of scam as anyone else, often delivered through the latest technology.
"We hope that our innovative approach of sending fake scam text messages will remind young consumers to be on their guard if they receive a suspicious offer."
The follow up text message sent by the OFT also highlights SMSus, a new text message service launched by PhonepayPlus.
The service allows users to text details of a premium rate number or shortcode - and receive an automatic reply with the cost of the number, details of the service provider, how to contact them and how to complain if necessary.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
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