Media & Events

Hotline for victims of SMS abuse

02 Oct 2007, The Star
KUALA LUMPUR: Victims of SMS (short messaging service) spoofing or spam should immediately report such abuses to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission's (MCMC) customer complaints bureau. MCMC, which regulates the telecommunications industry here, recently set up the complaints bureau as a step towards curbing such misuses of the cellular network. Dr Halim Shafie, MCMC chairman, said mobile phone users affected by spoofing or spam should lodge their complaints by calling the toll-free number, 1-800-888-030. The problem, which has been highlighted in the media these past few months, is irritating to cellphone users, especially those having prepaid accounts. Victims of SMS spoofing are billed for mobile content, such as ringtone downloads and daily jokes, even though they did not request for such services and are unable to opt out. SMS spam, meanwhile, is unsolicited advertising messages sent to handphones, usually in annoying batches. The complaints bureau is the latest move in a series of measures taken to stamp out the problem. These include issuing fines to companies engaging in SMS spoofing and spamming, as well as a directive to cellular service providers to provide online, itemised billing for prepaid users. Some victims have complained that the fines are not heavy enough to dissuade the spoofers and spammers from continuing, while others have alleged that the authorities need to react faster to complaints. – JO TIMBUONG
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