Unsolicited cold calling 'missed call' scam/spam?

Forums › One NZ (including Farmside) › Unsolicited cold calling 'missed call' scam/spam?

Oblivian

7345 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2117

ID Verified

#76168 29-Jan-2011 16:02

So, I have a phone number on grandfather plan for around 10 years now. Possibly longer, as more of a backup number should I need to move jobs/numbers. So mostly it sits dormant.

Last night I get a random txt from a strange overseas number. Advertising 'viber' for iphone app to make free calls.. ironic. Since I don't have an iphone.

Today, I get 2 missed calls. Only missed due to it hanging up after about half a ring. 14 seconds appart.

The first txt last night is worded "Hey, you should get Viber. It's a free iphone app that I use to make free phone calls - ww...<insert its page here>

And the latest arrived before the 2 'missed calls "wen will u be at home"

One can only assume this is a Taiwaneese ripoff style missed call premium charge/scam sort of thing.

Anyone else heard of similar? I can publish the number if its easy/handy. Starts +88696323....

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#432608 29-Jan-2011 17:33

I haven't used Viber, but they are quite active here on Geekzone, even have an account. It's a voice messenger software for iPhone.

If it's like other similar products some of your friends is using it, and entered your number. Seeing you don't have Viber yourself it probably sends an SMS, as a form of invitation.

More here http://www.geekzone.co.nz/forums.asp?forumid=76&topicid=72954, ask in that thread, or contact the user Viber.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

foremannz

34 posts

Geek

#432740 30-Jan-2011 00:53

Be careful of these random phone calls - I have had 3 customers and a neighbour to the workshop called up by a company claiming you have been infected by malware and request to remote control your computer ...

20 20 PC Limited
Your Computer Guru

freitasm

BDFL - Memuneh
80646 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 41030

Administrator

ID Verified

Trusted

Geekzone

Lifetime subscriber

#432755 30-Jan-2011 09:43

Obviously unsolicited calls should be treated as a threat until established the actual objective.

The tool used though is a different thing.

Referral links: Quic Broadband (free setup code: R587125ERQ6VE) | Samsung | AliExpress | Wise | Sharesies

Support Geekzone by subscribing (browse ads-free), or making a one-off or recurring donation through PressPatron.

Oblivian

7345 posts

Uber Geek
+1 received by user: 2117

ID Verified

#432853 30-Jan-2011 16:07

No more than 3mins ago.. another call from it.

I'm refusing to answer. I don't know anyone who would use such an app (if it is infact dialling out via taiwan) or anyone in Taiwan itself.

Assuming the +00869 is not masked.