TRA gives subscribers power to fight spam

Residents in the UAE have complained to the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) about an increasing number of spam messages sent to their mobile phone, prompting the regulatory authority to take action.

Etisalat subscribers can now block messages from a specific sender by sending an SMS with the letter ‘b’ or the word ‘block’, followed by the number of the spam source, to 1011. Du is presently working on a similar solution but have not clarified a date on when the service will go live.

Once a spam source is blocked, subscribers will also have the option of unblocking that particular number should they change their mind.

The TRA revealed that most spam messages contain downloadable files that are actually hacking tools and advised people to be wary.

“…we advice the subscribers not to accept the file; bearing in mind that the text SMS in itself is not dangerous, the danger lies in the file when the subscriber accepts to download. Furthermore, we advice subscribers not to give their phone numbers to entities and parties that are unknown to them,” said H.E. Mohamed Al Ghanim, director general of the UAE TRA in a company statement.

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READERS' COMMENTS

Calling lists
Posted by ashish vasudev, DubaiUAE on Sunday 7 June 2009 at 13:45 UAE time


We also need a system wherin we can complain against those "call centres" who make unsolicited calls trying to sell "persinal loans / credit cards.
They have become such a nuisance , namely ADCB , NBD , and a few Hotel chains. Tghey even sell cards of the same bank , even if you have them

even Etisalat?
Posted by Magnus Nystedt, Abu Dhabi, UAE on Sunday 7 June 2009 at 09:36 UAE time


Does this mean we can even block Etisalat?

Sharing Contact Numbers between Companies
Posted by Walid, Sharjah, UAE on Sunday 7 June 2009 at 09:34 UAE time


Thanks for TRA to pay attention to this matter as it is getting out of control.
I think the issue is that banks and other companies are sharing/selling out their contact list to other companies. Even Etisalat migh be selling those numbers as well. So please find away to keep contact privacy and avoid spamming.
Thanks

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