Mobile communications expert, Andy Adams says “mobile phones are seen as easy targets since text messages are the perfect medium for sending junk mail out to the world. The extent of this issue is most prevalent in China. In China there are an estimated 555 Million mobile phone users, two hundred million phone users who were surveyed reported to have been victims of mobile spam. Considering that most users reported that they received on average 8 spammy messages per week this makes for a huge problem.”

Tips to Get Your Wireless Mobile Carrier to Stymie Spam

• AT&T: Log in at http://mymessages.wireless.att.com. Under Preferences, look for the text-blocking and alias options. You can also block specific addresses and websites.

• Verizon Wireless: Log in at http://vtext.com. Under Text Messaging, click Preferences. Click Text Blocking to block text messages from e-mail or from the Web. You can also block specific addresses or websites, or set up an alias.

• T-Mobile: Log into http://www.t-mobile.com and go to “My t-mobile” using the t-mobile sites drop down at the top of the page.  Now, search for “Change plan or services” and click the link. You will be taken to a page with the section “Your Current Services” where you’ll have to click the “change services” button. Here, you can block text messages, instant messages, photo messages, messages sent via e-mail, or even all text messages.

• Sprint: Log in at http://www.sprint.com. On the top navigation bar, click My Online Tools. Under Communication Tools, click Text Messaging.  On the Compose a Text Message page, under Text Messaging Options, click Settings & Preferences. In the text box, enter a phone number, email address or domain (such as Comcast.net) that you want to block.

• Virgin Mobile: Check the Messaging Settings page on Virgin Mobile’s website (http://www.virginmobile.com) to block text messages from up to ten telephone numbers or email addresses.  You can also change preferences on your handset (VirginXL or VirginXtras > Messaging > Messaging Management)

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Mobile Phone Spam Prevention Tips

ACMA also plays an important role in e-security in Australia, gathering evidence and assisting in protecting Australians from computer fraud and identity theft.  As Australia’s anti-spam watchdog it  has lauded the effectiveness of the Spam Act 2003.   According to Iain Ferguson of ZDNet Australia, ACMA also warned international efforts and moves to combat the “fusion of spam, fraud and cyber crime” must be stepped up.

Smart Company’s Patrick Stafford reports three mobile phone companies are facing legal action by the ACMA for allegedly sending unsolicited SMS messages to Australian mobile phone users.  Mobilegate, Winning Bid and Jobsy must answer charges filed by ACMA in the Federal Court.  The mobile companies are accused of creating phony dating web site profiles. These bogus profiles were used to bait victims into replying to SMS messages, which cost $5 for each reply.

The ACMA also alleges that the companies allegedly sent messages advertising fantasy chat services, including Singles Club and AU Singles, which were also designed to convince users to reply to messages, also at a cost of $5 each.

This case sets a precedent in Australia. This is the first time ACMA has taken a company to court for breaching the spam act by using text messages.  Hefty fines of up to $1.1 million a day and $220,000 for individuals could be paid, for those parties found guilty.

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Australia Watchdog Checks Text Messages