Cybercrime Squad detectives have charged a man following an investigation into an SMS phishing scam, allegedly responsible for sending over 17 million fraudulent text messages.
Strike Force Kanbi was established by State Crime Command's Cybercrime Squad to investigate the use of Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) boxes, which are an electronic device used to send bulk text messages across the Australian telecommunications network containing fraudulent links.
The text messages typically pertain to be a legitimate institution containing a fraudulent link, directing the victim to an illegitimate website for the purpose of financial gain.
About 6am yesterday (Tuesday 12 December 2023), strike force detectives – with assistance from South West Metropolitan Regional Enforcement Squad – executed a search warrant in Moorebank where they arrested a 39-year-old man.
During a search of the property, offices located two active SIM-boxes, a number of SIM cards, and electronics consistent with running a fraudulent text message scam.
The items were seized to undergo further forensic examination.
The man was taken to Liverpool Police Station where he was charged with use equipment connected to network to commit serious offence.
He was granted conditional bail to appear before Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 17 January 2024.
Police will allege in court the man was responsible for sending over 17 million scam messages pertaining to be from companies such Australia Post and Linkt.
Commander of the Cybercrime Squad, Detective Acting Superintendent Jason Smith said consumers should be weary of SMS phishing scams in the lead up to Christmas.
"As we enter the final lead up to Christmas, a lot of people will be expecting online deliveries; but under no circumstances should you ever click on a link you receive in an SMS message or email.
"Legitimate businesses will never call or SMS customers seeking confidential information. Always be suspicious when you receive such requests.
"Scammers will often pretend to be from a reputable company or financial institution so even if it's a company you regularly deal with, the safer option is to independently log into that company's website to check your account," Det A/Supt Smith said.
"SMS phishing is one of the most common tactics deployed by scammers to obtain banking and other personal information from a victim, and SIM boxes can hold over 250 active SIM cards and will typically send out up to 150,000 messages per day containing phishing lures to various scams.
"While the Cybercrime Squad remain committing to stamping out this type of crime, we need the community to be Cyber smart by not clicking links you receive in texts or email – the scammers are powerless if you don't play into their hands."
Anyone with information that may assist investigators is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au. Information is treated in strict confidence. The public is reminded not to report information via NSW Police social media pages.
