Spotting a Text Scam

The number of mobile phone owners has passed the 1 billion mark and still counting. Texting is now the favored and most popular means of communication. The fame of on line communication was over-shadowed by the popularity of texting.

But just like any other innovative technology, the use of cell phones comes with both benefits and risks. Endless text scams has become the dilemma of texters. An alert mobile phone owner would know at once that he is being scammed if he receives a text message informing him of winning a contest (one he never actually joined). Usually a time period to claim the prize is given.

A text scam would either ask the recipient to purchase a product or to call a number that usually starts with 090 or to reply to a 19 number. These numbers would charge a higher rate. Some text scam would even reverse the charges so that the recipient of the message will be billed for both the message received and for the reply.

Text scam takes the form of unwanted messages that are sent without the subscriber’s approval; messages that come from unknown or unidentified source, unstoppable downloading of ringtones and pictures messages that can not be “unsubscribed”. The cell phone owner/user will be billed for these unwanted and unauthorized so called services.

As a protection against text scams, a mobile phone owner can ask the company to screen certain calls. Be wary of SMS selling products or services. The sender or the company should be identified and make sure that you have a way by which you can “unsubscribe” in case you want to opt out.

In signing up with any organization, be careful in giving out your phone number. You can even ask what they need your number for. The ID caller blocking can be used if you want to hide your number when calling.

If you are suspicious of an unexpected text message from an unknown sender, it would be wise to ignore the message and not to reply at all.

Posted in Text Messaging  on April 6, 2008 - 11:00 am by admin  |