Urgent Alert: Millions of Scam Texts Flooding Phones from LA

URGENT UPDATE: Millions of scam texts are overwhelming mobile users across the United States, with a significant source traced back to Los Angeles. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost nearly $500 million to these scams last year alone, and experts warn that the problem is escalating rapidly.

Cybersecurity expert Been Coon from the firm Unit221B has identified a network of “SIM farms” in Southern California, which are integral to this alarming rise in scam communications. These farms, equipped with thousands of SIM cards, can unleash millions of texts in mere minutes, creating a chaotic environment for consumers trying to protect their personal information.

Coon notes, “I could logically put together in my head the ability to send out millions of text messages in a few minutes, depending on how big the farm is.” Currently, he has pinpointed around 45 SIM farms nationwide, with four located in the Los Angeles area alone. “Some of these scam texts are coming from your own city,” he added, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

The Secret Service has also highlighted the severe implications of these SIM farms. Recently, federal agents dismantled a network in New York City that posed a threat to cell phone towers and the entire network’s functionality. Special Agent in Charge Matt McCool stated, “This network had the potential to dismantle cell phone towers and essentially shut down the cell phone network in New York City.”

For consumers, the risk is grave. Experts strongly advise against clicking links or sharing sensitive information in response to unsolicited texts. “That’s a huge inconvenience,” Coon admits, emphasizing that it’s a necessary precaution to avoid catastrophic financial losses, such as losing access to a credit card or significant savings.

Coon reveals that many of these scam operations involve overseas perpetrators who illegally import SIM farm equipment and employ individuals in the U.S. to set them up. Law enforcement is reacting swiftly, with authorities working to shut down these farms as quickly as they emerge.

This urgent situation demands immediate attention from consumers. Stay vigilant, and remember: if you receive a suspicious text, do not engage. Protect your financial information at all costs.

As this story develops, further updates will be provided. For continuous coverage, tune in to live newscasts from ABC7 on your preferred streaming devices, including Roku, FireTV, AppleTV, and GoogleTV. Just search for “ABC7 Los Angeles.”