A crafty fraudster has been locked up for trying to snatch train passengers’ personal info using a high-tech ‘SMS blaster’ hidden in a suitcase at Victoria station.
Suspicious Suitcase Sparks Police Action
On July 1, 2025, a commuter on the Victoria line got a dodgy text message claiming to be from Parcel Mail, asking them to click a link to “update delivery details” for a package.
Luckily, the passenger knew all about ‘SMS blasters’ and got suspicious when they spotted Kong Ji Chen, 31, hanging around the platform with a large green suitcase — not boarding any train or leaving the station.
British Transport Police were called and found Chen sitting next to the suitcase, which turned out to contain a portable battery connected to an electronic device flashing green and sporting a black antenna.
Mass Text Scam Targeted Thousands of Commuters
Inside Chen’s phone, officers found he had received the same spam message he’d been blasting out. Technical experts reported 165 identical spam texts were sent out from his device between 2.38pm and 10.37pm that day.
This sneaky scam could have snagged personal data from thousands of unsuspecting rail passengers.
Fraudster Jailed for Six Months
Chen, who has no fixed address, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 24 weeks behind bars at Inner London Crown Court on October 15.
DC Adrienne Curzon said: “Chen targeted thousands of commuters, trying to steal their data. Thanks to quick-thinking members of the public and close work with mobile operators and cyber experts, we stopped him before more people fell victim.”
She urged the public to stay alert and report suspicious activity: “If you see something that doesn’t look right, text us on 61016.”
Don’t get caught out — stay sharp on the platforms!
