Beware 419 SMS scams
WASPA warns mobile phone users to be vigilant after a series of fraudulent SMS messages
WASPA warns mobile phone users to be vigilant after a series of fraudulent SMS messages
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Beware 419 SMS scams, says WASPA
- Thread starter rpm
- Start date
Not a very useful article. It would be nice to have an example of the content of the sms's being sent so that these messages can be easily identified (Not that it is very difficult to distinguish between a legitimate message and a fraudulent one)
blaaislaai
Executive Member
OK this might just be spam
RoganDawes
Expert Member
Not a very useful article. It would be nice to have an example of the content of the sms's being sent so that these messages can be easily identified (Not that it is very difficult to distinguish between a legitimate message and a fraudulent one)
Received from +278200702404680 on October 14th 2009, 11:23:32
I thought I'd add their email address so they can get some spam themselves
gregmcc
Honorary Master
Gee....419 scams. Now there's something new. 
hyperian
Expert Member
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www.419eater.com FTW! 
Hectic
Executive Member
Not a very useful article. It would be nice to have an example of the content of the sms's being sent so that these messages can be easily identified (Not that it is very difficult to distinguish between a legitimate message and a fraudulent one)
I have almost daily customers from the local black community that want me to send the required email ( you know.. Nike@gmail,co.uk) to claim their Million dollars or pounds from a telephone code in Nigeria, etc. They obviously never entered a Nike competition, but they honestly don't know better. They really hope that this it, the 1 instance that will change their life.
Explaining to them that it is a scam has almost always no effect. They don't want their hope taken away. I have open several web based email accounts for those who don't want to accept that it is a scam. I know this probably not the right thing to do, but as I usually end up with completing the details, I can control the type of info that is being send to the bogus company.
Therefore I think your are a bit condescending when you say that it is easy to identify a legitimate and fraudulent message. It might be for you, but I promise you there are millions out there that can't or won't see it for what it is.
This is not a personal attack on you, but surely you understand that these scams were not invented to catch out the "wise or intelligent" people, but the people that are unsuspecting or ignorant as far as these schemes go?
So maybe it is not a very good article, but it does bring it to peoples attention.
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What do they mean by this? Surely it is not possible for a user to be charged for receiving a spam SMS. Or do they mean that the 419 scam sms is not being sent by any of the subscription providers in SA for which some users MAY be subscribed to. Very ambiguous statement from WASPA.
Other Pineapple Smurf
Honorary Master
Agree Borrels, but there is a public hysteria and urban legends about these scams.
Subscription services go through strict testing with the networks. Also only a small fraction of mobile services are able to become subscription based.
Subscription services go through strict testing with the networks. Also only a small fraction of mobile services are able to become subscription based.
Brace for impact.Agreed, the poorest and least educated are at the most risk. Service providers should take more responsibility in this regard and weed out the unscrupulous vendors and mobile users. Perhaps the RICA regulations may help with this/
Years ago before Telkom was privatized, they too had a premium rate system but this was shut down by the government at the time due to similar issues.