Scammers sent 1.7 million fake texts: cops
Police have raided a Gold Coast home and charged two Chinese nationals over an alleged online phishing scam where more than 1.7 million fake text messages had been sent.
On March 23, police executed a search warrant at a Southport residence and found two SIM boxes and SIM cards they claim were used to send the text messages.
Following investigations, a man and woman, both aged 37 years old, were arrested at the home on April 18.
Police allege the SIM boxes were used to send more than 1.7 million scam messages pretending to be from legitimate organisations over a two-week period in February this year.
Detectives identified that the SIM boxes were capable of sending bulk text messages across Australian telecommunications networks.
They will allege the boxes were used to send out fraudulent links directing victims to fake websites for the purpose of stealing money and identity information.
The pair have been charged with obtaining or dealing with identification information and using a telecommunication network with intention to facilitate the commission of a serious offence.
They are due to appear in the Southport Magistrates Court on Thursday.
