How to disable/block Flash SMS spam on iPhone

[Praemon]

So this morning at 5AM I received a spam SMS that came through as a flash message, where it popped up with the options "Read" or "Discard". The problem is that it seems to ignore the Do Not Disturb settings and so woke me up with the message alert when the phone should've been on silent. It seems because I discarded the message, I also can't now see the exact contents or where it came from. So does anyone know how to either silence or block Flash SMS messages on an iPhone 6S? Perhaps it's network related (I'm with Vodacom)?

Any help would be appreciated.

 

[akescpt]

that's weird. never seen that before. should have kept the message. called them and kaka them out.

 

[GforceD]

the iPhone don't use flash.

 

[creeper]

So this morning at 5AM I received a spam SMS that came through as a flash message, where it popped up with the options "Read" or "Discard". The problem is that it seems to ignore the Do Not Disturb settings and so woke me up with the message alert when the phone should've been on silent. It seems because I discarded the message, I also can't now see the exact contents or where it came from. So does anyone know how to either silence or block Flash SMS messages on an iPhone 6S? Perhaps it's network related (I'm with Vodacom)?

Any help would be appreciated.

I suspect someone is busy using those network messages again. I can't recall the correct name, but they pop up full screen and doesn't appear in Messages. If you discard it, it is gone.

 

[akescpt]

I suspect someone is busy using those network messages again. I can't recall the correct name, but they pop up full screen and doesn't appear in Messages. If you discard it, it is gone.

those full screen ones you get when you swop sims? for ads? htf they do that without help from the network?

 

[Praemon]

I suspect someone is busy using those network messages again. I can't recall the correct name, but they pop up full screen and doesn't appear in Messages. If you discard it, it is gone.

It showed and worked exactly like those messages, but the header did say "SMS", which is different to those messages from your network. I found another thread where they say it's called "Flash Message", so seemed appropriate. Apparently it's something you can do as an added feature with normal SMS'. Unfortunately there wasn't any solution to it: http://mybroadband.co.za/vb/showthread.php/597069-New-type-of-spam-SMS

If it happens again, I'll be sure to screenshot it.

 

[Muttley]

So this morning at 5AM I received a spam SMS that came through as a flash message, where it popped up with the options "Read" or "Discard". The problem is that it seems to ignore the Do Not Disturb settings and so woke me up with the message alert when the phone should've been on silent. It seems because I discarded the message, I also can't now see the exact contents or where it came from. So does anyone know how to either silence or block Flash SMS messages on an iPhone 6S? Perhaps it's network related (I'm with Vodacom)?

Any help would be appreciated.

I've received 2 of these messages before yet I've got no idea how to save the message to block it. :twisted:
Does anyone know exactly what type of message this is or what it's called so that I can do some research on blocking it?

 

[sajunky]

I've received 2 of these messages before yet I've got no idea how to save the message to block it. :twisted:
Does anyone know exactly what type of message this is or what it's called so that I can do some research on blocking it?

It is called "Flash SMS" as was already pointed out in other thread. Part of GSM specification. I would advise to not accept/save such message from unknown source, as it can carry some OTA setting or query for your phone configuration, serial numbers, etc... GSM has never dealt properly with security issues. The best action is to make screenshot and discard. Then report to the authorities.

 

[creeper]

those full screen ones you get when you swop sims? for ads? htf they do that without help from the network?

Good question.

 

[sajunky]

Good question.

I saw some PC application in the past for bulk SMS sending, which had an ability to send flash SMS.

 

[wazup]

the iPhone don't use flash.

View attachment 358766

the iPhone (singular) DOESN'T use flash

View attachment 358766