Major Alert: EE and Vodafone Customers Targeted by Sophisticated Text Scam
A serious warning has been issued to mobile phone users across the country following a widespread text message scam targeting customers of major networks EE and Vodafone. The fraudulent messages promise recipients thousands of reward points that are set to expire, urging them to click on malicious links.
How the Scam Operates
The deceptive texts claim customers have accumulated 12,739 reward points in their accounts, with 12,000 points supposedly scheduled to expire within three days. One message pretends to be from Vodafone's "Rewards Club," while another impersonates EE's reward program, both directing recipients to click links to redeem their points.
"This message serves as an advance notice regarding your Vodafone Reward Points. You currently hold 12,739, of which 12,000 points are scheduled to expire in 3 days in line with the 2026 programme," reads one typical scam message.
Another version targeting EE customers states: "Important Reminder about your reward points. You currently have 12,739 Reward Points available in your account. If no action is taken, these points will expire in 3 days under the terms of the 2026 Reward Points campaign."
Official Responses from Mobile Networks
EE has confirmed that the scam messages are completely fraudulent. A company spokesperson revealed that they first became aware of the scam two months ago and have since received reports from approximately 265,000 customers who received the fake texts. EE emphasized that they do not operate any points-for-rewards scheme.
Vodafone, which operates the legitimate VeryMe Rewards program, clarified that they never refer to their rewards scheme as the "Vodafone Rewards Club" - the exact name used in the scam messages. This discrepancy helps identify the fraudulent nature of the communications.
Victim Experiences and Red Flags
Several customers who received the scam messages have shared their experiences. One user reported that clicking the link led to a blank page with only a spinning icon, while another described how the scam nearly caught them out.
"I've had this text twice," explained one victim. "The first time it caught me out but I used a credit card that was close to its limit. I realized it was a scam when I got a confirmation code for adding it to an Apple Wallet. It was quite well done as the web address was close to EE's regular web address."
Security experts warn that while simply visiting a website cannot hack your phone, entering personal or financial information can lead to identity theft and financial fraud. Victims are advised to contact their banks immediately if they've entered card details and to remain vigilant for future phishing attempts.
Trading Standards Warning
Local Trading Standards officials have confirmed their awareness of the scam, with one team member receiving the fraudulent message personally. They issued a stark warning about the scam's objectives.
"This type of scam has been around for a while," said a Trading Standards representative. "It aims to steal your personal and/or financial information. The links in these messages lead to fake websites designed to harvest sensitive data from unsuspecting victims."
Protection Advice for Consumers
Security experts recommend the following precautions:
- Never click on links in unsolicited text messages, even if they appear to come from legitimate companies
- Verify any reward program communications by contacting the company directly through official channels
- Check the sender's number and look for grammatical errors or unusual phrasing in messages
- If you've entered financial information, contact your bank immediately to secure your accounts
- Report scam messages to your mobile provider and to Action Fraud, the UK's national reporting center for fraud and cybercrime
The sophistication of this scam, with web addresses closely mimicking legitimate company URLs, makes it particularly dangerous. Both EE and Vodafone customers are urged to remain vigilant and to delete any suspicious messages without engaging with them.
