Blocking WASPs on mobile networks – Tested

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Blocking WASPs on mobile networks – Tested

Content subscription services can be a nuisance for mobile users in South Africa, as they are quick to eat through airtime and can be difficult to detect.

There are multiple ways to check if your airtime is being taken by a WASP, but what about blocking them before they can bill you?

Certain mobile providers allow you to block your number from being subscribed to a WASP service, and to see how the systems work, we put them to the test.

We loaded a SIM from Vodacom, MTN, Cell C, and Telkom with airtime and placed the SIMs into Nokia 5 smartphones.

 

[dominic]

useful work thank you....

 

[biometrics]

Can dodgy WASPs ignore it?

 

[supersunbird]

Can dodgy WASPs ignore it?

On MTN, yes they can, and on Vodacom if you haven't filled in the form I assume they can, on both they can pretend you said yes via some website or something. SMS acceptance in not the only way to accept their "services".

I'm sure the billing system blocks it on Telkom and Cell C if the setting is enabled, so scum of the earth WASPs cannot bill you on those.

 

[Petec]

Excellent article!

 

[ponder]

This crap simply does not happen with Telkom. Zero wasp crap.

 

[Peon]

Telkom here I come!

 

[PCWARITM]

On MTN, yes they can, and on Vodacom if you haven't filled in the form I assume they can, on both they can pretend you said yes via some website or something. SMS acceptance in not the only way to accept their "services".

I'm sure the billing system blocks it on Telkom and Cell C if the setting is enabled, so scum of the earth WASPs cannot bill you on those.

I thought double opt in was s Voda or an MTN controlled thing and standard?

 

[supersunbird]

I thought double opt in was s Voda or an MTN controlled thing and standard?

Well, website secondary confirmation is a permissible opt in according to MTN and Vodacoms standards (don't know how they are so stupid to allow that, greed probably), yet they do not serve such a page for you to confirm on, they allow the WASP to serve you the page. The rogue WASPs probably claim you have opted in on the second page (it's easy to fake I assume) and thus they start deducting money, Vodacom/MTN isn't even in the loop.

 

[abbott10k]

Only Vodacom would want you to jump through hoops for doing something as simple as blocking WASPS!

 

[Vice]

Only Vodacom would want you to jump through hoops for doing something as simple as blocking WASPS!

+1
It really defies logic why they'd put such a huge hurdle for their customers One would swear they stand to gain something from wasp

 

[supersunbird]

Only Vodacom would want you to jump through hoops for doing something as simple as blocking WASPS!

And MTN doesn't even have a hoop to jump through, typical.

 

[system32]

How to unsubscribe / block - previous myBB articles

How to make sure you never get ripped off by a WASP
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cell...-sure-you-never-get-ripped-off-by-a-wasp.html

Disappearing airtime? Unsubscribe all WASPs
https://mybroadband.co.za/news/cellular/97071-disappearing-airtime-unsubscribe-all-wasps.html

 

[cozinsky]

This crap simply does not happen with Telkom. Zero wasp crap.

Telkom is a progressive service provider! Not only with WASPS but also with their OOB policy (which requires opt-in).

 

[PCWARITM]

Well, website secondary confirmation is a permissible opt in according to MTN and Vodacoms standards (don't know how they are so stupid to allow that, greed probably), yet they do not serve such a page for you to confirm on, they allow the WASP to serve you the page. The rogue WASPs probably claim you have opted in on the second page (it's easy to fake I assume) and thus they start deducting money, Vodacom/MTN isn't even in the loop.

So that in my books does not constitute double opt-in. That's an excuse to wash your hands. Reminds me of SMS OTP. It's not the mobile provider's fault if the banks want to use their insecure systems.

 

[Ockie]

So that in my books does not constitute double opt-in. That's an excuse to wash your hands. Reminds me of SMS OTP. It's not the mobile provider's fault if the banks want to use their insecure systems.

I want and have suggested to higher up that Vodacom should build in a function within the Vodacom app to block WASPS. I am with you guys on that. As for the banks and OTP's and fraud....sorry .... I dont agree. The bank holds you money and have been aware for a VERY long time and case after case of fraud happening (yes ABSA, I am looking at YOU!) they still dont switch over to banking APP authentication as most other banks have done .... even Capitec (think they actually did it first if I am not mistaken). So no, the banks carry full responsibility as far as I am concerned.

 

[PCWARITM]

The bank holds you money and have been aware for a VERY long time and case after case of fraud happening (yes ABSA, I am looking at YOU!) they still dont switch over to banking APP authentication as most other banks have done

That's a bit like selling a crappy tyre to a vehicle manufacturer and saying 'you knew it was crap' every time someone has an accident as a result of the tyre being crap. Just stop offering the service! Banks will be forced to go elsewhere. Don't be part of the problem!
Oh - and don't forget it takes two to tango. If the Vodacom service can be abused (sim swap), stop saying the banks are at fault for using a crappy service.

 

[Ockie]

That's a bit like selling a crappy tyre to a vehicle manufacturer and saying 'you knew it was crap' every time someone has an accident as a result of the tyre being crap. Just stop offering the service! Banks will be forced to go elsewhere. Don't be part of the problem!
Oh - and don't forget it takes two to tango. If the Vodacom service can be abused (sim swap), stop saying the banks are at fault for using a crappy service.

If a car OEM keeps buying the same crap tyres after 10 people lost their lives due to said crap tyres that the OEM kept bying even after being made fully aware that there is a issue then yes ....THE OEM IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE......especially seeing that there is a cheaper and much more safer way of getting it done (Each SMS costs money .... authentication via the app costs you nothing)

 

[Wasabee!]

And which service providers are the ones that let criminals clone your SIM to clean out your account? MTN + ABSA combination wasn't it?

Another reason not to go with MTN but with Telkom.

 

[Ockie]

And which service providers are the ones that let criminals clone your SIM to clean out your account? MTN + ABSA combination wasn't it?

Another reason not to go with MTN but with Telkom.

To be fair....MTN is not the constant here. Vodacom clients have also been involved. Not sure about the other MNO's. ABSA though ..... well.....that is a different story.