SMS scam targets accident victims
Posted under: 
The adverts are everywhere – “Where there’s blame, there’s a claim”. If you’ve had an accident then you COULD be entitled to compensation, and there are lots of reputable claims management companies who can help you to get what’s due to you.
At Scam Detectives HQ we’re fortunate that we’ve never had a serious accident (touch wood). So we were confused when we received a text message that promised compensation for our recent accident.
FREEMSG: Our records indicate you may be entitled to 3750 pounds for the Accident you had. To claim for free reply with YES to this msg. To opt out text STOP.
This is simply a phishing scam to gain your security information and bank details. Replying to the text is likely to result in further emails asking for personal information which is likely to be misused.
NEVER respond to unsolicited text messages or emails of this nature. If you have a genuine claim for compensation, contact a reputable claims management firm or Personal Injury solicitor. You can find a solicitor in your area by visiting the Law Society’s Find a Solicitor page.
Even responding “STOP” to opt out of the messages will confirm to the scammers that your mobile number is live and result in you receiving more scam text messages.
You can report unsolicited text messages to telephone watchdog PhonePayPlus
[...] more « Prev：Will the Gulf Oil Spill Block Alaska Drilling Plans? Can I get alternative/natural medicine covered in a auto accident …：Next » [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS fraud targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS fraud targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
[...] SMS scam targets accident victims | Scam Detectives [...]
I replied CLAIM back in order to find out who this was. Few days later (today) I received a phone call from a woman thanking me for replying to the text and wanting to take tsome more details from me. I pretended to be careful of being scammed and if she could confirm the company and website and it belongs to these guys:
Compensation Claims
They are a part of Paragon Ltd. and if you want their website, company name with .co.uk on the end.
I’ve reported them to the ICO and forwarded on all information I have and have even lodged a complaint with the company in question. I did receive a reply back pretending not to know anything and I’ve emailed back asking why the woman thanked me for the text and was ready to take more info from me. Yet to hear anything back.
They’re fishing for hopefuls. So many people on hard times chances are they’ll make a lot of cash on some cases where they can make some money back on a case or two.
They’re still at it 21st October 2011. As my wife had had a car accident in February this year we nearly got caught out. We checked with our insurance people to see if they passed her mobile phone number on – they were indignant. Not surprising as she does not give her mobile to commercial organisations. This is the pshishing message:
FREEMSG: Our records indicate that you may be entitled to £3750 from the accident you had. To apply free reply CLAIM to this message. To opt out text STOP. SENDER: +447428822071
Can the tel no. be blocked as this can lead to fraud?
There have been several complaints made to authorities over this, and several numbers have actually been closed down.
You (generally) can’t block incoming text messages from a specific number (unless you’re using an iPhone/Android type smartphone, in which case, there’s an app for that…).
The best thing you can do is to ignore the messages.
Don’t be tempted to reply (even to text STOP to unsubscribe) as all you will do is confirm that your mobile number is live, which will result in more spam.