Police are warning the public to be “extremely cautious” following a rise in text message scams.An advisory sent today warns residents to be careful when sending funds through their mobile phones.The Financial Crime Unit has seen a few reports surface of residents receiving a text allegedly from car company Toyota.The message states the company is celebrating its 30th anniversary and tells the recipient they have won £500,000 in the Toyota Awards.According to a Police spokesman, these messages are sent out by the thousands and those receiving them have not been individually targeted by scam artists.Still, the public is encouraged not to respond to this text or similar texts and to remain cautious, the spokesman added.“Once again, members of the public are warned to be extremely cautious when sending funds to persons who have contacted them unexpectedly, especially via text message or to persons whose identity cannot be properly established.”