Bluejacking gives mobile phone users nasty fright

Users are advised to turn Bluetooth off when they are not using it

Vulnerable women are being sent violent and pornographic images by unidentified strangers metres away making use of new mobile phone technology.

Mobile phone companies are reporting a growing number of "bluejackings" where anonymous text messages or images are sent to unsuspecting strangers by mobile.

The practice takes its name from Bluetooth wireless technology, which enables individuals to send messages 10m to other phones without needing a number.

One bluejacking fan website, BluejackQ.com, carries an enthusiast's account of targeting a stranger from a nearby hiding point.

After sending anonymous jibes about the victim's clothes and behaviour, the fan describes the satisfaction of seeing her "bewildered face".

Bluejacking is now turning more sinister, with reports of mobile phone users being sent violent or pornographic images by nearby strangers.

Marcia Gies, 21, a hotel worker from West London, was subjected to a "horrible" experience by an unknown bluejacker after returning from an evening with friends.

"I was half-asleep on the night bus when my phone vibrated. It was a video message by an unnamed source," she said. "Without thinking, I opened it. It was violent, frightening pornography."

Ms Gies' mobile dealer had informed her of the Bluetooth technology that came with her new phone, but she said: "I didn't pay much attention - I just need my phone to ring my mum, my boss and my friends.

"I deleted the clip, thinking it must have been a strange mistake," she said. "Then I had another message, saying 'where's your boyfriend?'

"The third message really scared me. It said: 'Which is your stop? Why don't you take your scarf off and give me a smile?' That's when I realised someone on the bus was watching me."

She said lots of her friends had been bluejacked, including a child who received a clip from a stranger showing a hostage in Iraq being beheaded.

"Now he can't get the image out of his head. I've also heard of girls being victim to a stealthy form of flashing - weirdos can take pictures of themselves and Bluetooth the image to people around them."

Vodafone spokesman Toby Robson said: "We're certainly aware of the bluejacking phenomenon. The technology has been around for a little while, but it's only now that most new phones are fitted with it. Most is harmless fun or flirting, but there is an uglier side."

Owners of Bluetooth-enabled phones are able to block all anonymous messages, but ignorance of the new technology means that many allow themselves to receive obscene texts or video clips.

Mr Robson said: "It's amazing the number of people who have Bluetooth switched on without knowing what it is. Our advice is common sense - if you don't want to receive unpleasant messages from strangers, don't have Bluetooth enabled on your phone."

- INDEPENDENT