Court Hears Tube Passengers Targeted in Sophisticated Text Scam

Passengers on the London Underground were targeted in a large scale text message scam using concealed electronic devices designed to impersonate mobile phone towers, a court has heard. Prosecutors told Inner London Crown Court that travellers received fraudulent messages claiming a parcel delivery had failed, prompting them to click a link to resolve the issue.

The messages were part of what is known as a smishing operation, a combination of SMS and phishing. The aim is to trick recipients into providing personal and banking information by making the communication appear to come from a legitimate company. According to the prosecution, the true objective was to access victims’ bank accounts and steal money.

Zhijia Fan, 48, and Daoyan Shang, 20, both listed as having no fixed address, deny charges of conspiracy to defraud and possession of articles for use in fraud between January and March 2025. The court was told that the alleged scheme relied on devices referred to as SMS blasters, which were hidden inside modified suitcases.

Prosecutor Alex Davidson said the equipment worked by masquerading as a legitimate cell tower. Nearby mobile phones would connect automatically to the rogue device instead of their normal network. Once connected, the device could send mass text messages containing links to fake websites designed to capture sensitive data.

Jurors heard that the suitcases used in the operation had reinforced metal bases with ventilation holes to accommodate what was described as bulky and heavy base station equipment. The devices were said to require regular maintenance and frequently broke down.

The prosecution alleges that Fan led the operation and directed others in deploying the equipment across the Underground network, while Shang acted as his close associate. Davidson told the court there was clear evidence of a conspiracy to defraud members of the public by using SMS blasters on public transport, adding that the central issue for the jury was whether the two defendants were involved in that conspiracy.

The alleged scheme began to unravel when an off duty British Transport Police officer noticed one of the unusual suitcases being moved around on the network. That observation led to further investigation and the eventual arrests.

Transport authorities have previously warned passengers to be cautious about unsolicited text messages requesting personal or financial details. Officials advise travellers to avoid clicking on unexpected links and to verify any delivery notifications directly with the relevant company through official channels.

The case highlights growing concerns about increasingly sophisticated digital fraud methods in public spaces. The trial at Inner London Crown Court is continuing.