[LINK] mobile phone spam

[stephen at melbpc.org.au]

In yet another important Link email, Fred relates a real Aus SMS problem.

A government department warning, to it's own staff, "the only mechanism
currently available to stop unsolicited SMS messages once they have made
initial contact, is by the user opening the message and sending "STOP" via
reply text." isn't good enough.  What about the rest of we Australians? 

This sms-action advised, against expensive Aus SMS scams, isn't intuitive.

Who would have though replying 'stop' to a spam/scam?  Sure hope it works.

But surely, placing our mobile number on the gov DNC register includes SMS?

So the DNC site should stop SMS spam scams such as this, would Linkers say?


> More of a scam than a spam. I received this the other day -
> 
> * * * * *
> 
> SMS/SPAM ALERT
> FOR MOBILE PHONES/PDA USERS
> 
> A number of officers responsible for (ACT Govt Dpt) mobile phones have 
> recently identified charges on their "Mobile Service Statement" that 
> relate to unsolicited SMS contacts.  It should be noted these numbers 
> can be charged under the heading "Enhanced Features".
> 
> (ACT Govt Dpt)  have confirmed the SMS function on mobile phones enables 
>   proscribed services to forward unsolicited data to random mobile 
> numbers, at a cost to the mobile number.
> 
> These proscribed services are to mobile phones what SPAM is to a 
> computer.  It is virtually impossible for Optus, our telephone service 
> provider, to filter and prevent access.  Pending legislative control, 
> all staff using mobile phones/PDAs must be vigilant when checking SMS 
> content prior to opening or responding to messages.  Such messages once 
> received, whether answered or deleted, provide the prescribed service 
> access to the account.  Once accessed, your handset will be charged for 
> each additional message until stopped.
> 
> The only mechanism currently available to stop unsolicited SMS messages 
> once they have made initial contact, is by the user opening the message 
> and sending "STOP" via reply text.  This action will incur the cost of 
> the text; however, this will be considerably smaller than receipt of 
> future unsolicited messages.
> 
> Do not just delete the message.  As soon as a company has reached your
> handset they have full access to send repeat messages, at a cost to the
> handset holder, regardless of whether you open or delete.  YOU MUST TEXT
> "STOP" (in capital letters) via reply.
> 
> Where unsolicited SMS messages are registering on monthly Mobile
> Statements, the staff member should retain records, and brief their
> supervisor on the situation as soon as possible and agree to a course of
> action.  Optus may be able to stop some unsolicited SMS messages;
> however, most of these will require intervention by the handset holder.
> 
> * * * * *
> 
> My youngest daughter was hit by one of these and lost $60 from her
> prepaid account.
> 
> "As soon as a company has reached your
> handset they have full access to send repeat messages, at a cost to the
> handset holder, regardless of whether you open or delete."
> 
> How can that be right? Am I missing something? Anyone who calls my phone 
>    effectively has carte blanche on my account? Isn't that like saying 
> that anyone I pay a cheque to has open slather on my bank account? How 
> can that be legal?
> 
> Fred


Cheers, Fred
Stephen Loosley
Victoria, Australia