Beware of short-term loan scams where someone asks, 'Could I borrow your mobile battery instead?' and then runs off with it — what can users do?

Reports on social media say scammers are using rental mobile batteries in a short-loan fraud scheme.

They ask a stranger to rent a battery and pay for it, then disappear without returning the device.

Operators warned that lending or renting on someone else’s behalf may violate the rules, and advised refusing such requests.

If you are targeted or suffer damage, contact the police or the service’s support team.