How to limit SMS spam

[rpm]

How to limit SMS spam

Industry expert explains that loopholes allow for ‘free SMS spam’ to be sent

 

[Arthur]

I send a fax and email to the sender organisation's MD:

Dear Sir/Madam

I am receiving unsolicited faxes/SMS/e-mails (delete inapplicable) messages from your organisation. Your communications do not provide me with the option to cancel the subscription or to opt out.

This notice requests that you immediately cease and desist from sending me unsolicited fax, e-mail or SMS/text marketing communications from your organisation.

Please note that this notice is sent to with specific reference to Section 45 of the Electronic Communications and Transactions Act, 2002, No. 25 of 2002, which legally requires you to stop such communications at my request, or face criminal prosecution.

45. (1) Any person who sends unsolicited commercial communications to consumers, must provide the consumer—
(a) with the option to cancel his or her subscription to the mailing list of that person; and
(b) with the identifying particulars of the source from which that person obtained the consumer's personal information, on request of the consumer.
(2) No agreement is concluded where a consumer has failed to respond to an unsolicited communication.
(3) Any person who fails to comply with or contravenes subsection (1) is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to the penalties prescribed in section 89(1).
(4) Any person who sends unsolicited commercial communications to a person who has advised the sender that such communications are unwelcome, is guilty of an offence and liable, on conviction, to the penalties prescribed in section 89(1).

Please immediately stop sending me unsolicited electronic communications. If you do not forthwith stop the unsolicited communications, a criminal charge will be laid against you and your organisation.

 

[Lazy]

In addition, fraudsters with SS7 access at foreign networks, could spoof mobile numbers and fake other details (pretending that a mobile number is roaming)

This not only applies to SMS. They can spoof it so well that you (the valid account holder) will be charged as if YOU used the service.

Luckily (depending on your view) the SA networks will not give anyone access to the SS7 network...

 

[Lazy]

Also, to see who you should contact regarding spam SMS, go to SMS Code and check the number that sent the message. If it's a registered WASP the number should display there. If they are using a modem to send the messages your fresh out of luck, because it won't be that simple.

 

[apogeeza]

According to Dr. Pieter Streicher, MD of BulkSMS.com and a WASPA board member ...

“Currently there are many networks that do not charge each other interconnect fees, creating loopholes for the sending of messages for free. In addition, fraudsters with SS7 access at foreign networks, could spoof mobile numbers and fake other details (pretending that a mobile number is roaming), and thereby send millions of SMS messages for free,” said Streicher.

3 networks == many ??? (virgin is an alias for cell-c and does not count.)
throw in pseudo-fixed operator neotel, and newly crowned "king-of-the-world" telkom mobile, still only account for 5... can be counted on one hand. MANY???

jawellnofine, obviously smoking good stuff and orbiting a planet of his own.

 

[apogeeza]

still think the best defence against all cell-phone spam is to throw in the bin and retire to a deserted coast line somewhere, live in a cave and swim in the sea.

 

[ProSMS]

3 networks == many ??? (virgin is an alias for cell-c and does not count.)

Many networks would include most international networks - more than 500.

 

[jannievanzyl]

I send a fax and email to the sender organisation's MD:

You should also add that you request the origin of your details. Again, according to the act, it must be provided.

 

[The_Unbeliever]

still think the best defence against all cell-phone spam is to throw in the bin and retire to a deserted coast line somewhere, live in a cave and swim in the sea.

+1

But then they'll start putting messages into bottles and throw these into the sea...

 

[The_Unbeliever]

“Currently there are many networks that do not charge each other interconnect fees, creating loopholes for the sending of messages for free. In addition, fraudsters with SS7 access at foreign networks, could spoof mobile numbers and fake other details (pretending that a mobile number is roaming), and thereby send millions of SMS messages for free,” said Streicher.

EH?

You mean that overseas they *gasp* have lower interconnection fees?

 

[ProSMS]

EH?

You mean that overseas they *gasp* have lower interconnection fees?

Initially GSM network operators had no idea to what extent SMS would grow. They reasoned that their subscribers would send some SMS's to foreign networks, and they in turn would receive some from foreign networks. They reasoned that these would cancel each other out, and there is no need to bill for these - hence even to this day there are limited interconnect agreements between network operators on SMS.

More than 6 trillion SMS messages were sent globally in 2008. Network operators also charge local businesses for A2P messaging. To protect this revenue, there is a scramble to introduce interconnect fees. As this is done on a 1 to 1 basis and there are 500+ network operators, this will take some time.