UK iPhone and Android users warned of emergency alert scam this weekend

UK Android and iPhone users are being urged to be vigilant about scam text 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.

But cybersecurity experts are warning that hackers are planning to use the test to trick people into handing over their data.

READ MORE: UK doomsday siren to blast out of every phone in the country

Smartphone users are therefore being urged to check that any emergency alerts they receive are from the official government source, and to not click any links or hand over any personal information in response.

Lisa Webb, scams expert at Which?, warned: "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."

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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 play a loud alarm siren and show a message that you'll have to acknowledge in order to make it disappear.

The government said the alert will say: "This is a test of Emergency Alerts, a new UK government service that will warn you if there’s a life-threatening emergency nearby. In an actual emergency, follow the instructions in the alert to keep yourself and others safe. Visit gov.uk/alerts for more information. This is a test. You do not need to take any action."

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