bulletin from Suffolk Trading Standards
Scammers are likely to use the the new Emergency Text Alert system to try and steal money and personal information from victims
It is important that you know that an Emergency Alert looks and sounds very different to other types of messages such as SMS ‘text messages’. You’ll know if you get an Emergency Alert because you’ll hear a loud, siren-like sound and your phone will use a distinct vibration. You have to acknowledge them before you can use your phone’s other features. They appear as a notification and will include a link to gov.uk/alerts, where you’ll also be able to check that an alert is genuine.
If you receive an alert but are still in doubt about the origins of the message, go to gov.uk/alerts or contact neighbours, friends or family in the nearby area to check whether they have received it too.
The test message we will receive on Sunday at 3pm will say: “This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In a real emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. This is a test. You do not need to take any action.”
Phone users will be prompted to swipe away the message or clicking “OK” on their home screen before being able to continue using their device.
With any Emergency Text Alert you will not need to download an app or provide any personal or financial information.
Report scam text messages by forwarding them to 7726.