Mobile Network and Data Bundle Text Scams
Texts claiming to be from your mobile network offer free data, loyalty points or warn your SIM will be blocked. How network text scams work and how to check with your provider.
Your mobile network is one of the few companies you hear from regularly, so fake network texts blend in easily. They offer free data, bonus airtime or expiring loyalty points, or warn that your SIM or line will be blocked.
Common network text scams
| Lure | What it really wants |
|---|---|
| "Claim your free 20GB data bonus" | Card details or personal data on a fake page |
| "Your loyalty points expire today" | Card details to "pay shipping" for a gift |
| "Your SIM will be blocked. Upgrade now" | Codes or ID details for a SIM swap. See SIM swap fraud |
| "Your bill payment failed" | Card details on a fake payment page |
| "You won our anniversary promo" | Fees and PINs. See fake promos |
How to check
- Open your network's official app to see real offers, bills and alerts.
- Dial the official customer service number, from the network's website or SIM pack.
- Never share codes, PINs or ID details because of a text.
Genuine offers do not need your card details or a code to activate free data.
Got a network text? Paste it into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
Related: fake network customer care calls. For more, see phishing by email, SMS and phone in our complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do networks offer free data by text?
Networks do run promotions, but you can confirm any offer in the official app or by dialling the official customer service number. Links and requests for codes are warning signs.
What is the loyalty points scam?
A text says your points are expiring and must be redeemed through a link, which leads to a fake page that collects card details.
Why would a SIM upgrade text be dangerous?
It may be setting up a SIM swap, asking for codes or ID details that let criminals move your number.
Sources
- How To Recognize and Report Spam Text Messages, US Federal Trade Commission
- How To Protect Your Phone From Hackers, US Federal Trade Commission
- Phishing: spot and report scam emails, texts, websites and calls, UK National Cyber Security Centre
