What is SMS spam, you might wonder? Isn't spam something you primarily receive by email? No, not anymore. Increasingly, Danes are receiving SMS messages from unknown senders with spam-like content, and we predict it will become more widespread in 2014 – unfortunately.
SMS spam is a relatively new area and not something the consumer ombudsman has really addressed yet. We therefore want to clarify the characteristics you should be aware of when SMS spam arrives on your mobile phone.
Be prepared
There are no spam filters for the SMS inbox as there are for email inboxes, and the spam industry knows this. Therefore, in most cases, the SMS messages will reach your mobile phone. The perpetrators know that because mobile users read almost all SMS messages, often within a short time, they will also read spam messages. Usually, you do not realise it is spam until you read the SMS. Be cautious and critical of SMS messages from numbers you do not recognise.
Pay attention to the language
One characteristic of these SMS spam messages is that they are often in English or other foreign languages. However, it is only a matter of time before they begin to craft spam in Danish. Therefore, be aware if the language is either foreign or poorly translated into Danish. This can be one of the hallmarks of SMS spam.
Pay attention to links and content
The spam industry usually wants you to either click on a link or reply to the SMS. If the messages contain links, check whether the sender is recognisable and the language it is written in. If you are unsure, do not click on anything and never reply to the messages. People tend to trust their mobile phones far more than other forms of communication, so do not be fooled by the content. Often, the lure is that you have won competitions or that they need your help with something. Is it too good to be true? Or do the messages raise the slightest suspicion? If so, delete them immediately.
Check if your mobile number is available on the internet
Spam companies typically retrieve your mobile number from the internet. This can happen if you have entered a competition where your information has not been protected, or if all your information about you is available on specific websites. Consider whether it is necessary to hide this information if you receive SMS spam. Also, report it to your mobile operator so they are aware of the issue.
What are we doing to eliminate SMS spam?
We are aware of SMS spam ourselves and ensure that our customers and recipients are part of a spam-free environment. If one of our customers breaks the guidelines, we take the necessary measures and exclude the customer from our service. This should benefit you so that you do not receive phishing attempts or other spam.
According to the law, companies that market via SMS and are authorised by you to do so must always give the mobile user the option to unsubscribe from the service via SMS. Use this as a guideline to determine whether it is genuine or if someone is misusing your mobile number without authorisation.
If you are a company unsure whether you comply with the guidelines, or if you are a private individual who receives SMS spam and would like to stop it, you are welcome to contact us. Contact us by phone (+45 88 33 66 99) or by e-mail.
