SMS Spam from chat.mob.vc

DoubleJ

DoubleJ

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Fourways, Johannesburg
I've been SMS spamed all day.

the mesasge content is as follows

-------

1 New Flirt contact

http://chst.mob.vc/[GUID].wml

-------

do you have any idea how to block it? It's driving me mad.

I sure as hell didn't subscribe t any dating/flirting service!!

(the message comes from 'update' as opposed to a number)
 
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[EDIT ON]
Sorry, I only now see that their is no from number on your post. That means that it was most likely sent by an international carrier. Still check your airtime as it is possible that someone is billing you localy but using an international gateway for the msg - this is totally against WASPA and network regulations. Also phone your network!!!!
[/EDIT OFF]


Firstly reply with a "STOP" to the SMS. You might be billed for each MT you are receiving. Next step is enter in the from number at "www.smscode.co.za".

You need to enter in as 278xxxxxxxx

Good chance the number will be longer than the standard 11 numbers, this is known as a tagged longcode. The first 11 digits being the number and the remaining (up to 10) digits being a "tag".

You will then get the name / number of the offending WASP. Send them an email to say stop it!!!!

You can also go over to WASPA.org.za and lodge a complaint. Don't get anal, just give relevant information. WASPA are very good at following up. BUT, big BUTT, if you are being billed then mention this to WASPA.

* I work for a WASP (and no it is not one of our clients) and maintain our callcenter application that handles such queries.
 
just got a message from these guys - chat.mob.vc - that wants me to open a url to get a message.

did you manage to stop it - it does not seem to come from a number, but from "ema"...
 
Bosvark@ said:
just got a message from these guys - chat.mob.vc - that wants me to open a url to get a message.

did you manage to stop it - it does not seem to come from a number, but from "ema"...
Click to expand...

Then its not coming from a South African WASP but from an international carrier. Do not open the URL as it will most likely result in you being billed (they pick up your number, MSISDN, either from the URL params or from what we refer to as MSISDN WAP forwarding)

Anyway, thanks to the power of google, I've pulled up the culprits:

http://www.eroticdates.co.za/help.php

(from smscode)

Name: SMARTCALL TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD


Now since there is no contact details and this service is not WASPA compliant, best is to lodge a request at waspa.org.za

* Just an observation, I did see that they do have a site where you enter in a number to get a password. Its very possible (99%) that someone typed in the wrong number and it was not spam (1% chance). Being a 18+ service, this is a very common subscription method and typos from excited bed wetters happens all the time.
 
Thanks for that! I hate these "spam" type SMSes. They really annoy me.

How did you manage to get the culprit info? Good work!
 
cbrunsdonza said:
* Just an observation, I did see that they do have a site where you enter in a number to get a password. Its very possible (99%) that someone typed in the wrong number and it was not spam (1% chance). Being a 18+ service, this is a very common subscription method and typos from excited bed wetters happens all the time.
Click to expand...

My take:
1%: Chances that it is a typo.
19%: Chances that someone was fraudulently trying some other person's number.
80%: Chances that the web site is just fraudulently subscribing and billing random people.

Either way, this whole WASP system stinks.
 
Had the same problem with spam, charging R20 each time they SEND ME a message. Called my sevice provider (MTN) and they sorted it out in less than 48 hours.
 
More infomation

You must be 18+ to use this service!
Confirm

Strictly 18+. Clicking confirm will initiate a chat subscription service. R9.99/2days. Subscription includes updated profiles, matches, notifications and full access. R5 per message sent. Go to [My Profile] to unsubscribe or sms STOP to 42361. For HELP email to [email protected].
Service provided by Lessa Ltd.
 
I just got my MTN bill and noticed that the same thing happened to me! There is a "Content charge" item on my bill. MTN tells me it is Smartcall Technology Solutions (011 507 4630). I want to calm down a bit before I phone them. :mad: Not that I think it would help, phoning them, I mean.

There is not a chance in hell that I would ever subscribe to adult chat on my phone. For God's sake, I have never even used Mixit!
 
Last edited:
087023404

WTF! I'm starting to get these SMS's. Google search lead me to this thread...
 
Thanks, according to MTN I'm not subscribed to any services, got a ref. as well just in case...
 
Smartcall have charged me with R9.99 for the pleasure of opening their WAP message. They are a bunch of crooks in my opinion. I have got customercare at vodacom to get them to stop the so called subscription. I have asked vodacom to credit the R9.99 to my account as I did not agree to the charge. They say their hands are tied and they will get smartcall to phone me. When I asked Vodacom to supply me with the agreeement I have with that smartcall can charge me this is their reply.
"It is not required by law for the agent (in this case Vodacom) to have a specific agreement with, or permission from, the customer, to bill and collect the money on behalf of the WASP.

Notwithstanding the above, the agreement concluded between each WASP and Vodacom provides that every WASP that utilises Vodacom's services to bill and collect monies for the WASPs' products/services, may only instruct Vodacom to bill and collect money for those products/services that have been specifically requested by customers."

Now I have asked Vodacom for this law as it does not make sense to me.
Does agency law actually allow this?
Anyway if you have been debited I would suggest emailing customercare at vodacom just include the following info to shortcut their procedures.
"* ID number
* One VAS (Value Added Service) currently active on specified cell number
* Address (Statement, Invoice or E-mail address)
* Current package or tariff plan
* VSP Account number (e.g B1234567/8)"
If enough people complain to Vodacom surely they will drop the agreement with smartcall as it won't be worth the hassle!
 
@Ianf1: Your barking at the wrong tree here if you think your going to get results. You need to lodge a complaint with WASPA.org.za

But hey, its up to you to follow my advice so either use it or don't - but just don't question it
 
Also got two messages ("1 new flirt contact") from 087023404 a few days ago. Didn't click links or anything. If I just delete them, there won't be a charge no? Fsck I hate these sms companies. All of them.
 
also received it
as a longstanding waspa adjudicator i intend to draw blood
 
cbrunsdonza said:
@Ianf1: Your barking at the wrong tree here if you think your going to get results. You need to lodge a complaint with WASPA.org.za

But hey, its up to you to follow my advice so either use it or don't - but just don't question it
Click to expand...

Thanks for the advice I will submit a complaint, What I can't believe is the total uncaring attitude of Vodacom in that they deal with companies like Smartcall who use such deceptive practises. I suppose ethics in business has gone.
 
Ianf1 said:
Thanks for the advice I will submit a complaint, What I can't believe is the total uncaring attitude of Vodacom in that they deal with companies like Smartcall who use such deceptive practises. I suppose ethics in business has gone.
Click to expand...

Pimping is a lucrative practice - ask any brothel owner.
 
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