New Zealand teleco companies are investigating and trying to block a number sending out scam text messages to customers.

Mobile users are being targeted by a scam warning of “unpaid customs charges.”

The test message sent to Spark, Vodafone and their subsidy network customers claims to have “tried to deliver a package” to users.

It then says there are “unpaid customs charges” and encourages users to click a link.

A Vodafone spokeswoman told Chris Lynch the company is well aware of the issue and is doing everything it can to respond.

“We’ve got a bunch of people across various departments trying to block this now.”

She said “we continue to see phone and text scams increase, which is a worrying trend and shows the ongoing need for Kiwis to be vigilant.”

“We’re trying to educate customers about scam awareness, and the need to double check when they receive an unexpected phone call or text message – particularly when it asks for money to be transferred.”

“Our tech team is currently working to block the UPS scam texts that some customers are receiving today, to try to prevent what is an incredibly frustrating and devious attempt to trick unsuspecting Kiwis.”

Meanwhile, Spark Corporate Relations spokeswoman Cassie Arauzo told Chris Lynch the frequency of scams often come in waves, with no clear pattern.

“Unfortunately, over the past couple of months we have identified an increase in text scam activity typically posing to be from reputable companies such as courier or postal services.”

“The text message can come from a regular looking mobile number or a short code. The scammers are typically based overseas and hope the recipient of the text will click on the link and enter their personal details such as their credit card, which the scammer then exploits.”

If someone is targeted by a text scam, they can either report it directly to Spark by screenshotting the text and sending to [email protected].

Arauzo said Spark works hard to limit the amount of text scams being received by our customers by proactively monitoring unusual activity and blocking offending numbers.

A Netsafe spokeswoman said users should delete any correspondence immediately if this is an unsolicited message.

She said Telcos, Government agencies and Netsafe are actively working together to help protect Kiwis and disrupt scam operations.