The Wireless Application Service Providers' Association of SA (Waspa) warns mobile consumers of a new type of scam that uses mediums other than mobile technology.
The association also warns users to be on the lookout for scams that use the names of established wireless application service providers to deceive victims into parting with their money.
It explains that scams attempt to defraud cellular users by promising them opportunities to claim money they have allegedly won, or by offering them giveaways.
“Although many of the scammers operate by SMS, a worrying trend is that many are starting to use e-mail, or even snail mail, to try and trick their victims into depositing money into their accounts.”
Waspa says one of the latest examples of such scams sees scammers fraudulently pose as Zed Mobile, a credible mobile content provider and a member of Waspa. The scammers have delivered this scam message by post, e-mail and fax.
The targets are asked to deposit large amounts of cash into a bank account to cover courier costs and insurance, and to facilitate the payment of their so-called “lottery winnings”.
“Zed's attention was brought to the scam by members of the public phoning in to find out more about their prizes, after looking up its number with directory services,” says Waspa chairman Leon Perlman.
“We urge members of the public to be vigilant about these scams, which are in nature similar to 419 e-mail stings. Do your homework whenever anyone asks you to pay in an amount to claim a prize. In most cases, you will find that the prize does not exist.
“Aside from the government-licensed Lotto, lotteries are illegal in SA, so be sceptical if someone advises you out of the blue that you have won a lottery. Some of the SMS messages, letters and e-mails we have seen are very convincing, so treat any unsolicited communications you get with scepticism.”
Code breach
Mobile content service providers must adhere to Waspa's code of conduct, or face fines and possible suspension.
The code provides, among other things, that children accessing the services have their parents' permission. It also requires easy opt-out measures, and that customers cannot automatically be registered for a service.
Membership of Waspa was made mandatory by the mobile operators and TV stations for any company providing value-added services, following the formation of the association in 2004. Adherence to the code of conduct and the advertising rules is mandatory for all providers.
The Waspa code of conduct sets out requirements for its members regarding advertising, billing and content services. According to Waspa, the objective of its code of conduct is to ensure members of the public are provided with accurate information on services and billing, and to also provide a means of dealing with complaints about members.
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