Increase in SMS Scams

There has been a 100% increase in the number of short messaging service (SMS) scams of late and the Communications and Multimedia Consumer Forum (CFM) wants consumers to be vigilant about offers sent to them via text messages.

"They should report these spam messages to their respective service providers, CFM, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission and to the police," said a statement issued by CFM yesterday.

"In 2009, CFM received a total of 1,331 complaints, out of which 97, or 7.3% were on SMS abuse. Although the figure may seem small, CFM is concerned about the impact of the growing numbers of such cases."

"For 2010, the monthly average number of such cases has recorded a 100% increase, from eight cases a month in 2009 to 16 cases per month since this year," it added.

The most common SMS spam messages were :

>> pornographic video downloads

>> promotion  of medicines for male virility

>> notifications of winnings

>> promotions enticing voluntary airtime reloads through airtime credits

>> promotions of downloads with hidden charges

CFM warned that accepting such messages could prove dangerous for mobile phone users.

"Accepting such SMSes can result in mobile phone users incurring unwanted charges, becoming a target for identity theft, viruses and hackers," said the statement which gave a two-step procedure for subscribers to withdraw from the service.

"Simply reply to a message with a SMS saying "UNSUBSCRIBE". That should be all you need to do. If you continue to get messages from the same company, send instructions such as STOP,END,QUIT or CANCEL to the subscriber,: said CFM.

"CFM urges consumers to lodge a report to the police and the respective service providers."

Consumers may also submit a complaint through CFM's online complaints portal at www.cfm.org.my, or via CFM's toll free number at 1-800-18-222, or email aduan@cfm.my.