Mobile phone virus: ACE is a hoax

A mobile phone virus hoax which first did the rounds a couple of months ago has resurfaced, if the silicon.com email postbag is anything to go by.

The virus warning appears to come from Essex Police, and reads along these lines:

"Mobile phone virus alert, if you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays ACE-? on the screen. DON'T ANSWER THIS CALL - END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY.

"If you answer the call your phone will be infected by a virus which will erase all IMEI and IMSI information from both your phone and your SIM card, which will make your phone unable to connect with the telephone network. You will have to buy a new phone."

The message goes on to say that Motorola and Nokia have confirmed the existence of the virus and that over three million phones have been infected in the US.

Several concerned silicon.com readers have got in touch in the last 24 hours, which suggests the email is circulating once again.

But the ACE virus is a hoax. It was given some credence by Essex Police who did indeed issue the above warning, but following further investigation quickly released another statement correcting the earlier message.

A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed these details yesterday, and added: "It's funny how bad news travels much faster than good news..."

So let your friends know there's nothing to worry about.