Millions of UK iPhone and Android users at risk of emergency alert scam this weekend

Android and iPhone users in the UK are being urged to remain vigilant about scam texts impersonating the government's emergency alert test this weekend.

You might already know that the Government plans to blast an emergency alert through everyone's phones at 3pm on Sunday, 7 September.

However, cybersecurityexperts have warned that hackers are planning to exploit the test to trick people into surrendering their data.

Smartphone users, Android or iPhone, are therefore being urged to verify that any emergency alerts they receive are from the official Government source, and to avoid clicking any links or surrendering any personal information in response.

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Lisa Webb, scams expert at Which? cautioned: "Scammers will use any hook they can to try and steal money and personal information from victims, and unfortunately the government's upcoming nationwide test of its new Emergency Alerts system will be no exception.

"It's vital anyone who receives the official test alert is aware that no action is required. If you are asked to download an app or provide information, this is likely to be an unscrupulous fraudster trying to trick you and should be ignored at all costs."

She added that while the government will be sending out a link with more information on the emergency alert, it is probably wiser to look this up via the official government website rather than risk clicking a 'lookalike' link.

All iPhone and Android devices will receive a test message along with a loud siren-like sound and vibration that lasts around 10 seconds.

The Government said: "Emergency Alerts is a UK government system that provides warning and advice in a life threatening emergency."

They added: "The government does not need to know your phone number or location to send you an alert."

Further explaining, the Government stated: "The message you receive will clearly state that this is a test and that no action is required on your part. The alert will come through even if your device is set to silent mode, which is an important feature of the system designed to ensure people receive warnings in genuine emergencies."

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