29 February 2024 , 12:26
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Love Island star Anna-May Robey warned fans to be more vigilant as she opened up about the terrifying moment her bank account was emptied after she was mugged.
The 20-year-old, who rose to fame on last year's edition of the ITV2 dating programme, took to her social media to reveal her "phone was snatched out of her hand by a cyclist" while she was on her way to a shoot. She posted a wall of text over an off-white background explaining what had happened.
Anna wrote: "The cyclist approached me from behind so I was unaware and completely oblivious. The phone was unlocked so the guy had access to everything. He was able to change my Apple ID straight away so I couldn't track the phone or access any of my information on any other devices.
"I know it's easy to replace a mobile phone, but my whole life is on there - Apple Pay, personal information, images, work etc. By the time I managed to contact a bank to cancel my cards and Apple Pay, it was too late. I found out all accounts had been rinsed. They had not only stolen my phone but spent thousands of pounds, down to my last penny, savings and credit cards were maxed. Leaving me with absolutely NOTHING."
Anna-May said her phone was snatched from her hand while she was on her way to a shoot (Getty Images for Paramount)
The thieves managed to wipe her bank account as her phone was unlocked (ITV)She continued: "It made it a lot easier for them that my phone was unlocked when I was approached but it couldn't have been helped. I always thought I was safe with Apply Pay because of passwords, Face ID and all the security these devices have in place but it's still not enough. They also had access to PayPal credit etc."
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She admitted it has been a "stressful and scary" week for her and wanted to raise awareness. The shaken reality star said she wanted to make a post about what happened as it "happens so often and is so easily done". Anna captioned the post: "The amount of people I’ve seen this week walking down the street the same way I was just put things into perspective.
"I just still can’t get to grips with how easily this is done and how for most people it’s not just a phone but it’s your whole life and has access to everything."
Fans and some co-stars rushed to the comment section to send their support and share their own personal experiences with thieves. Jessie Wynter said: "Sorry this happened Anna May, sending love," while one fan warned others: "PLEASE GIRLIES don’t get your phone out in public unless absolutely necessary, it’s so not worth it. Wait till you get to a safe space to make your calls and answer texts."