Police have arrested and charged three men operating an SMS blaster in downtown Toronto. The scheme, running from November 2025, is the first of its kind in Canada, exploiting older 2G cellular networks to send thousands of phishing messages to unsuspecting users.

Once connected, devices can be tricked into sending out spammy text messages, potentially leading to stolen banking credentials. The blaster was operated from a vehicle, allowing it to move across Toronto and disrupt nearby cellular communications, including 911 services.

The spammers aimed to steal usernames and passwords, highlighting the ongoing risks of outdated technology in our increasingly connected world. Users are advised to switch off their phones’ 2G connectivity or use Lockdown Mode on Apple devices to prevent such attacks.

Despite releasing a photo of a similar blaster from an earlier UK investigation, Toronto police declined to share photos for safety reasons. This case serves as a stark reminder that as technology advances, so too must our efforts to protect it.