SMS spam filtered on MTN
In a press statement issued today (18 October 2011), MTN revealed that it would be introducing a system on its network to prevent SMS spam from making it through to their subscribers.
MTN explained that the roll-out of such an SMS spam filter stemmed from complaints of customers that fell prey to scammers that tricked subscribers into calling or SMSing their premium number.
On a local carrier such operators can swindle users from R75/minute or 34c/SMS, MTN said.
This has also prompted legitimate South African WASPs to complain about their inability to compete against these “grey” SMS routes, MTN said, adding that these service providers have requested that MTN take action.
MTN said that they expect their system may create a stir in the market as some businesses are purchasing bulk SMSes unaware that they use so-called “grey” routes.
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The full press release follows:
In response to growing customer frustration, MTN has today announced a solution tailored to handle unscrupulous fraudsters which have been billing mobile customers for services they have not signed up for.
MTN has been inundated with customer complaints regarding a number of WASPS (Wireless Application Service Providers) have been sending unsolicited spam messages and content to our subscriber base via unauthorised (and often international) partners.
This has also prompted legitimate South African WASPs to complain about their inability to compete against these ‘grey’ SMS routes. These service providers have requested that MTN take action.
Customers who have fallen victim to this scam have been swindled out of exorbitant amounts of airtime, from R75 per minute to 34 cents per SMS if it is a local carrier.
Says Kevin Jacobson, MTN South Africa General Manager: Business Indirect: “As part of our continued commitment to meeting the needs of our customers we have introduced a solution which will filter out unsolicited SMSes before they are forwarded to our client base.
“This is the first proactive initiative of its kind in South Africa and addresses an issue which is currently affecting all local cellular networks. We hope that this solution will go a long way towards alleviating the frustrations our customers have been experiencing.”
As is frequently the case, MTN once again finds itself in a leadership position with regards to customer protection and technical innovation.
We expect that this may create a stir in the market due to the fact that some businesses are purchasing bulk SMSes without being aware that that ‘grey’ routes are being utilised in their implementation.
As a result, we encourage users to direct any questions or queries they may have to our help desk.
This solution is part of MTN’s efforts at mitigating the risk that its customers are facing. Earlier this year, MTN warned its customers about a growing scam that occurs when an unsuspecting customer receives an SMS requesting them to call an unknown number.
“Upon calling the number, the customer is diverted to an interactive voice response (IVR) where they are kept on hold with music playing in the background, while their airtime is being used without their knowledge,” explains Jacobson.
“This fraud is generally perpetrated by international carriers that seek to increase volumes of traffic to their number. This scam is growing and many people are being caught unawares. We wish to appeal to our subscribers to immediately delete mysterious and unknown call back messages and not to call the number in question,” he adds.
The Wireless Application Service Providers Association (Waspa), the industry body that monitors bad service among mobile advertisers, has encouraged consumers to report any unsolicited SMSes they may receive.
MTN’s on-going dedication towards delivering a secure, world class service is more steadfast than ever. By encouraging WASPs to use legitimate methods of service delivery, we strongly believe that we are not only keeping our subscriber base safe, but are also championing social change.
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