TRADING Standards have warned that fraudulent text messages are the latest scam to hit the public, as bogus companies continue to target consumers.

In one instance a prize of two nights at a top hotel was offered as long as the recipient replied to a certain number - exposing their SIM card to use by other mobile phones.

"Mobiles are very personal and people often think that a text message to their own phone cannot possibly be a scam," said Sally Harber, principal Trading Standards officer at Worcestershire County Council.

"Unfortunately, companies such as this are becoming more and more sophisticated in the way they target vulnerable consumers."

"Our advice is to delete the text immediately and not reply."

For more information visit www.worcestershire.gov.uk/tradingstandards or telephone the consumer advice officer on 01905 765 373.