TD warns on 'hi sexy' text message scam

A Fianna Fail TD has called on Eircell-Vodafone to protect Irish mobile phone users from a text message scam which has hit customers in Britain.

Mr Martin Brady says the "hi sexy" message which prompts recipient to respond causes mobile users to be flooded with unwanted text messages, paid for at premium rates.

"A British premium line watchdog is now investigating the scam by two operators using the Vodfone network", Mr Brady said.

"Vodafone who recently bought Eircell should ensure that their experience in other markets is used to the benefit of Irish phone users - and should ensure that reverse text messages which would cost the equivalent of approximately two euros for each text message are not allowed here", he added.