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The fraud involves messages typically asking the victim to pay for an unpaid fee and to follow a link to a website.
The fake message urges people to enter personal details into a fake website which puts people’s finances at risk.
Other reports across the United Kingdom have slightly different worded text messages.
Some include package delivery information, whilst others ask for £2.99. The text asks the victim to click on a link, which directs them through to a website asking for card details. Once the victim inputs their information in, their accounts could potentially be hacked.
One Nottinghamshire woman lost £9,400 after receiving a text and clicking the link to enter her bank details.
She then received a phone call from an unknown suspect claiming to be from the fraud department at her bank. The caller informed the victim that there had been fraudulent activity on her account.
The scammer confirmed this could be rectified and convinced the woman to log into her account and transfer funds to another account.
Detective Sergeant Anna Haynes from the Fraud Triage & Cyber Team said: “With the increased use of online shopping during the national lockdown people are using delivery services more and more. If you are expecting a delivery this scam text message would not necessarily raise alarm bells.
“Always use the carriers tracking service to check delivery status for goods or contact the supplier to query whether your delivery has been missed or whether this could be a scam.”
She added “Please be vigilant if you receive any email or text message asking you to take action, always take five minutes to think whether this is genuine before you click on any link. If you are suspicious do not give out any personal information and ignore the message.
“No bank or company will ever call you out of the blue asking for personal information, including bank account details.
Police urge people to share knowledge of the scam with friends, family and neighbours and report suspect calls to Action Fraud or online via https://www.actionfraud.police.uk/ or on 0300 123 2040. Or contact police on 101.
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