FRAUD experts are warning smartphones are being targeted by online crooks.

As part of the fraud, phones are sent messages which tell users a social network profile has been set up using their pictures, asking “is this you?”

The message also has a ‘bit.ly’ link, which users are asked to click on to download ‘Photoviwer’.

If users click the link, their phones become locked and a message appears, demanding money to unlock it.

A raft of text messages are also sent to contacts in the phone It is thought the scam only affects Android phones.

If a phone is infected, experts recommend a complete reset.

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