Exact clues to instantly expose bank-emptying text set to flood phones this week

WATCH out for a dastardly scam text that aims to pilfer your cash and info over the next few weeks.

Virgin Media O2 has revealed the signs to spot these sinister messages on your phone – including a dead giveaway that you must look out for.

It’s the shopping season, which means you’re probably spending money and receiving packages.

And while Black Friday and Christmas can bring plenty of joy, they’re also a prime opportunity for scammers.

Virgin Media O2 warned that crooks specifically target deal-hunters, and warned that it’s predicting a major rise “in attempted delivery scams in the run up to Christmas”.

“Black Friday should be about landing great deals – not becoming victim to fraud,” said James Harwood, Virgin Media O2’s fraud boss.

GOOG GOSH

Google warns over bank-raiding ‘do you remember’ scam text that ‘maximises loss’

BE AWARE

Exact signs your email is secretly HACKED as experts warn inbox now ‘top prize’

“But unfortunately, sophisticated scammers know busy shopping periods are a perfect time for them to act.”

Part of staying safe happens before you ever even receive a text.

Mobile giants proactively block scam texts – in fact, Virgin Media says that it has culled “hundreds of millions of scam texts” this year alone.

And “millions” of those were fake delivery scam messages, the network warned.

SPOTTING THE SIGNS OF THE SCAM TEXTS

The first step is to make sure you’re keeping track of the packages that you’ve ordered, where you bought them from, who is delivering them, and when they’re due to be delivered.

Usually the retailer will have an official tracker on your account for their website, or on the original purchase email you were sent.

Crooks take advantage of the fact that shoppers struggle to keep tabs on all of their deliveries by sending fake delivery notices.

But one of the big giveaways is the link that’s stuffed inside the text message – often a way to nick your money, info, or both.

Virgin Media O2 said to look out for bit.ly links in text messages, which can be a major sign that you’re receiving a scam text.

“Delivery scam texts typically try to take you to a fake online website,” Virgin Media O2 warned.

“If there’s a link that looks unusual, is shortened using bit.ly, or an especially long address when it’s claiming to be from one of the big providers (DPD, Evri, Royal Mail or Yodel) it could be a scam.

“Always make sure the link takes you to the official delivery company’s website.”

There are some other signs that you’ll want to watch for too.

Crooks will often try to get you to act urgently without thinking.

So a common scam text will claim that your parcel won’t arrive unless you pay immediately.

Virgin Media O2 called this a “major red flag”, and added: “Legitimate delivery companies don’t demand instant payments via text.”

If you do get a text like this and you’re suspicious, contact the delivery company directly – and make sure to not use details sent in the text, as they might be fraudulent.

Virgin Media O2 also said to check the sender details too.

“On most new smartphones, trusted delivery companies appear as the brand, for example ‘DPD’ or ‘Royal Mail’, instead of a random number,” the network explained.

“If you see an unfamiliar number or something that looks odd – particularly if it is not a UK number (+44), treat it with caution.”

And the final sign to watch for is when a text is very generic.

It might make a claim about your order, but not make any reference to the retailer or the product.

This allows scammers to target potential victims in bulk, as the message could catch plenty of people out.

“If they provide too much information – such as the fake website or fake package details – they know Brits are likely to be warier,” Virgin Media O2 noted.

James Harwood added: “We have blocked hundreds of millions of scam texts, including fake delivery messages, this year alone.

“But this festive season we’re issuing new advice to help more Brits swerve the scammers.

“Don’t get stung this Black Fraud-day. If something looks suspicious, don’t click.”

If you do think you’ve received a scam text, you should report it to 7726.

Just forward it to that number and it’ll be logged.

This is a free national reporting service for suspected scam messages (and calls), and you can use it on any network.

testing times

THIRD Strictly star suffers nasty injury that threatens place on the show

‘SHE’S CHANGED’

Lucy Letby’s shock reaction after barrister said ‘I know you’re innocent’

It’ll help phone networks block the scam before it reaches anyone else, and also lets them learn about the latest scams and how they’re operating.

So you might save someone else’s Christmas by reporting it too.