TXT / SMS spam: figure out provider of 2823?

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kingdragonfly

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#243001 23-Nov-2018 08:12

I got a TXT / SMS spam from OPSM, a local NZ glasses seller. I never bought anything from them. I certainly I never gave permission to get my phone number added to any mailing list.

They used an obscured URL to point to a 20% off special, which is not even a good deal.

The jerks didn't even test to see if the website would work with iPhone's Safari, so they got to annoy 50% of their illegally obtained mailing list without any results.

I've already forwarded the text to the DIA

https://www.dia.govt.nz/Spam-Complain-About-TXT-Spam

To make a complaint about unsolicited commercial TXT messages, please follow these two steps:.

'7726 SPAM - reporting txt SPAM is free and easy' logo
Step one
Forward TXT spam to 7726
Forward the offending TXT message from your phone free of charge to our short code: SPAM (7726)

You will receive a TXT response from us (the Department of Internal Affairs) asking you to complete your report.

Step two
Reply to our TXT message and include the spammer's phone number
Please reply to the message you receive from us with the phone number the TXT spam message originated from.

I want to go further and complain to the telco provider of number 2823. Any way figure out who that is?

Hurry! To celebrate Black Friday 20% off in store and online. Ends 26.11.18. T&Cs apply https://bit.ly/removed. SMS STOP to opt out to 2823

SaltyNZ

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#2132368 23-Nov-2018 08:18

You need to start with OPSM. The content aggregator supplying the service to OPSM has no more awareness of whether you have signed up for any SMS lists than the carriers do. According to our list, their contact details are 0800696776, or their privacy page.

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kingdragonfly

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#2132370 23-Nov-2018 08:22

I reported them to Bitly for their obscured URL address. It wasn't easy to find their complaint page:

I've found a bitlink that directs to spam, what should I do?

You can report spam links to support@bitly.com to be blocked. Include the word 'spam' in the message and include the link and information about how you received it.

I'd still like to complain to their telco provider, number 2823

Taubin

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#2132413 23-Nov-2018 09:22

Unfortunately that's not possible in NZ. My wife works for a company that provides shortcodes services and I asked her about it when a discussion came up on reddit about it. The only thing you can do is complain to your carrier, as well as forward the text to "spam" as stated in the original post. Complaining to your carrier will get the code blacklisted which is a MASSIVE deal to the provider. They do everything in their power to make sure that never happens as it's a massive pain to get un-blacklisted.

There are a few of these going around at the moment unfortunately, all coming from different "companies" with shortlinks that have nothing do with those companies. They are all fraudulent. Best advice is to contact your carrier and report them, state what number they came from and when, and ask them to block that shortcode.

ZL2TOY/ZL1DMP

kingdragonfly

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#2132591 23-Nov-2018 12:06

Thanks, Taubin. Just the advice I need.

I didn't even purchase anything from OPSM.

I got an optometrist appointment. That's when I gave my phone number. I got quote on glasses, which was outrageous.

I went with a local company called "FourEyes."

OPSM obviously known "opt-out" is illegal in NZ, hence leaving their name out of the text message.

Man I hate spammers.

Taubin

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#2132649 23-Nov-2018 12:41

I'm with you on the spammer hate. Unfortunately there's a new influx of it going around, probably due to the Dominos leak I'm guessing. All of the ones I've seen reported have had the persons name, and a shortlink. Hopefully your cell phone provider can help out.

I always order my glasses online. I've gotten a few pairs on Zenni Optical They are quite inexpensive, and decent quality. I've been wearing my current pair for just over a year now, and haven't had any issues with them. I nabbed 2 pairs when I ordered them, just so I have a backup, but I've not needed the backups at all. As long as you know your prescription (the optometrist should provide it when asked), you just upload it to their site and order the glasses.

ZL2TOY/ZL1DMP

SaltyNZ

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#2132652 23-Nov-2018 12:44

If it's scam spam - as opposed to a "legitimate" if misguided spam from OPSM, then there may be little we (carriers) can do about it as those tend to come in on grey routes via international SS7 which is difficult to filter. However it is still worth reporting because if it is a scam and it came in through an authorised route, then we certainly would want to slap around the aggregator.

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These comments are my own and do not represent the opinions of 2degrees.