One of eight men arrested in national operation over Royal Mail "smishing" scam texts is from Coventry - The Coventry Observer

One of eight men arrested in national operation over Royal Mail "smishing" scam texts is from Coventry

Coventry Editorial 24th May, 2021 Updated: 28th May, 2021   0

POLICE today (Monday May 24) arrested eight men in London, Coventry, Birmingham and Colchester following early morning raids targeting suspects believed to have sent out scam text message posing as Royal Mail.

The arrests were made by officers from the Dedicated Card and Payment Crime Unit (DCPCU), a specialist City of London and Metropolitan police unit funded by the banking and cards industry, in partnership with Royal Mail and the telecoms industry.

Eight operations undertaken during a week of action resulted in eight suspects arrested on suspicion of fraud.

Known as “smishing” texts, these scam messages aim to steal people’s personal and financial details by directing victims to fake versions of trusted organisations’ websites, such as Royal Mail.




Detective Chief Inspector Gary Robinson, the head of the DCPCU Unit, said: “The success of these operations shows how through our close collaboration with Royal Mail, the financial services sector, and mobile phone networks, we are cracking down on the criminals ruthlessly targeting the public.

“Ongoing investigations are now underway and we will continue to work together to bring those committing smishing scams to justice.


“Members of the public are encouraged to follow the advice of the Take Five to Stop Fraud campaign if they receive a suspicious message:

“Stop: taking a moment to stop and think before parting with your money or information could keep you safe.

“Challenge: could it be fake? It’s ok to reject, refuse or ignore any requests. Only criminals will try to rush or panic you.

“Protect: contact your bank immediately if you think you’ve fallen for a scam and report it to Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

“Customers can report suspected scam texts which they’ve received but not acted upon to their mobile network provider by forwarding them to 7726, which is free of charge. “Doing this will help mobile providers take action, if need be, to block malicious numbers. Customers can also forward any emails they have concerns about to the Suspicious Email Reporting Service (SERS) at [email protected].”

During the raids, valuable intelligence was gathered and several devices suspected of being used in ‘smishing scams’ were seized.

The unit also recovered numerous customers’ financial details, enabling these bank accounts to be protected.

Seven of those arrested have been released under investigation, with one man from Enfield, charged and remanded into custody. He will appear at Inner London Crown Court on June 21.

Ongoing investigations are expected to result in further arrests and charges.

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