GoMo discovers Nigerian 419 style scam over text in UK

AppId is over the quota AppId is over the quota

Beware of messages coming from 07769 921907

don't send any money

Fraudulent email messages purporting to be from somebody you know are extremely common but GoMo News believes this is the first time we come across such a sophisticated one sent via SMS (text) here in the UK. These types of scam have gone under the name of Nigerian 419 attempted frauds – supposedly named after the Nigerian Criminal Code article – 419. They attempt to persuade the innocent to send money to a bank account. But the one we’ve seen allegedly sent from 07769 921907 appears to be far more sophisticated than usual. For starters, it is using a genuine UK mobile phone number.

We searched for the number online and found that 07769 921907 apparently is the contact number for a massage parlour (Usually a synonym for a brothel) in Rotherham, England.

We assume the number has somehow been spoofed and is a very ingenious choice given that the parlour probably has no interest in complaining. It would have to admit to its own existence.

What the text message said was this … “Need to raise 500 b4 monday to stop my house being repossessed sort code 08-7-99 acc number 85759478.”

It’s unusual in that there are no spelling mistakes – indicating that the fraudsters probably are genuinely based in the UK.

What will prove very interesting is if that bank account can be traced. Given that could lead the police to the crooks.

Anyway, if anyone receives such a message, whatever you do, don’t send any money.

Tony is currently Editor of GoMobile News. He's a veteran telecoms journalist who has previously worked for major printed and online titles. Follow him on Twitter @GoMoTweet.