Fukushima radiation hoax SMS message spreads in Philippines

A hoax SMS text message claiming that radiation may hit the Philippines, following explosions that have rocked Japan’s Fukushima nuclear power plant, have caused such a problem that authorities in Manila have issued an official denial.

The text of one of the hoaxes that is being spread via SMS messages reads as follows:

“BBC Flashnews: Japan gov’t confirms radiation leak at Fukushima nuclear plants. Asian countries should take necessary precautions. Remain indoors first 24hours. Close doors and windows. Swab neck skin with betadine where thyroid area is, radiation hits thyroid first. Take extra precaution, radiation may hit Philippines.”

However, the BBC has issued no such news flash, and the Philippines’ Department of Science and Technology has published a statement asking people not to believe the hoax:

“The advice circulating that people…

Read more in my article on the Naked Security website.

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Graham Cluley •   @gcluley

Graham Cluley is a veteran of the cybersecurity industry, having worked for a number of security companies since the early 1990s when he wrote the first ever version of Dr Solomon's Anti-Virus Toolkit for Windows. Now an independent analyst, he regularly makes media appearances and is an international public speaker on the topic of cybersecurity, hackers, and online privacy. Follow him on Twitter, Mastodon, Bluesky, or drop him an email.