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General Discussion>Spam Text Messages
Blueface 08:23 AM 11-09-2010
Are you getting these like some of us are?
Seems a new way to try to scam.
They are not the traditional telemarketers for the most part.
They are scammers trying to get bank/financial information.
Not to mention that along the way, they are costing many of money as I don't have unlimited texting.

Most of these messages entail something to the effect of "thanks for visiting our site", call ....... to claim your $100 certificate."

They usually show up with a valid non 800 type number but ask you to call an 800, 877 or 866 number.

If you or anyone you know is getting them, contact the FTC at 877-382-4357 and once on their menu, hit 0 twice to go to a rep.

I am told the FBI is aware of this scam and is working on it but the more information they are provided, the better it will be to shut them down.
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longknocker 08:25 AM 11-09-2010
Originally Posted by Blueface:
Are you getting these like some of us are?
Seems a new way to try to scam.
They are not the traditional telemarketers for the most part.
They are scammers trying to get bank/financial information.
Not to mention that along the way, they are costing many of money as I don't have unlimited texting.

Most of these messages entail something to the effect of "thanks for visiting our site", call ....... to claim your $100 certificate."

They usually show up with a valid non 800 type number but ask you to call an 800, 877 or 866 number.

If you or anyone you know is getting them, contact the FTC at 877-382-4357 and once on their menu, hit 0 twice to go to a rep.

I am told the FBI is aware of this scam and is working on it but the more information they are provided, the better it will be to shut them down.
Thanks For The Heads Up, Carlos. I Only Get Occasional Texts From Spammers On My Cell, But Nothing Like That. Hope It Clears Up For You!:-)
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Don Fernando 08:26 AM 11-09-2010
Maybe they want to help you find that coke bottle
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Blueface 08:27 AM 11-09-2010
Originally Posted by Don Fernando:
Maybe they want to help you find that coke bottle
Can you believe I still haven't found it?:-)

HOWEVER, my grandson was going through my phone and did.:-)
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kelmac07 08:28 AM 11-09-2010
And I despise SPAM!!! Now I gotta watch for it on my cell. :-)
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yourchoice 08:31 AM 11-09-2010
Thanks for the heads up, Carlos.
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Eleven 08:35 AM 11-09-2010
For years my wife would get text messages in Spanish, from a vzw text. No return phone number.

Although she claims to not speak Spanish, she has come home late a few times smelling of Mexican food.
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hotreds 08:43 AM 11-09-2010
I had the text feature on my phone turned off since I don't text and was getting too many Spam messages each one costing me. Scott, Mexican food is great. I'd worry if she came home with a Mexican, period!:-)
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Blueface 10:27 AM 11-09-2010
Called one of them for kicks and giggles.

Played it as an idiot which is not hard at times for me (there, in case anyone thought of it).:-)

First thing they asked was for my cell number I got the message on. Told them I am elderly, just got the phone and heck if I know what the number is or how to figure it out.

Next, told me I won a $100 gift card to Walmart for having visited one of their member sites and having completed a survey. Told them I don't have a computer and don't know how to access the internet. They told me someone must have done it from the family on my behalf and don't recall.

Next, they asked for my name, home number and address. Not sure who lives at the address I gave them but my apologies in advance.:-) I went by the name of Charles Johnson. Sorry to him also.

Next, they asked me if I hold a credit card. I said yes. They told me it would cost me a charge of $2.95 to get that certificate out to me.

In the words of Emiril, at that point........................BAM!!!! You've been had. I told him my credit card was over the limit and in collections so it would not be of value. They asked if I had another. I said no and we parted our ways.

I am sure had I given them a credit card number, much more additional "confirming" information would have been asked that would expose me further.
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mariogolbee 10:35 AM 11-09-2010
No, I just get a stereotypical picture of a tatted down Mexican guy or a Black dude with gold teeth saying that he rape a 5 year old, giving her AIDS, and leaving her in the hospital. Supposedly, if the message is sent on the hospital will donate $.15 per text to her care. It's a scam, it's BS(I googled the chit out of it), and if someone sees one of those guys from the pic and has the text I don't think it will end well.

I have also seen similar ones about kidnapped children but haven't looked into them. I didn't forward them because I'm not sure if they're spam as well. I would hate for someone to randomly put my girl in a spam text and have some strange situation arise from it.
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Blueface 10:37 AM 11-09-2010
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_1...11-504083.html

http://www.keprtv.com/news/78570227.html

http://www.wtvq.com/news/dont-fall-f...card-text-scam

http://www.giftcardadvocate.org/news/?p=920
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mariogolbee 10:45 AM 11-09-2010
Originally Posted by Blueface:
http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-504083_1...11-504083.html

http://www.keprtv.com/news/78570227.html

http://www.wtvq.com/news/dont-fall-f...card-text-scam

http://www.giftcardadvocate.org/news/?p=920
http://www.statesman.com/blogs/conte...hat_tex_t.html
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