Journal FuzzyDaddy's Journal: A bad portent... 3
From: Askew@hollywoodsportsbook.com
Subject: OBTW
Msg: *All software!
even (W.indows
Vist.ta and Adobe(S3) 87% off goto:
(www.usa010.com)
I just received the above spam text message on my cell phone. This is the first spam text message I've received.
I called my service provider (the service provider formerly known as Cingular). First, I got them to rebate me $0.15 for the text message, which I did to both set a precendent and get my complaint into the system. I then asked about options for dealing with it if it becomes an issue.
At this point, my only choice is to deactivate my text messaging capability. TSPFKA Cingular has no way to filter text messages coming in. Now, I'm a very casual user of text messaging, but I do get updates from the city in case of terrorist attack or a hostage situation at my kid's school. Also, in times of marginal coverage/low battery/everyone calling because of terrorist attack/etc, it's the only thing that will go through. (I live in Washington DC, so I feel it's prudent to be prepared).
After I got my $0.15 refund, I got myself kicked up to a supervisor. I explained how text messages are an important part of my service, how if my cell phone spam goes the way of my email I'm looking at hundreds of dollars a month to pay for receiving spam, and so on. I recognize there's nothing the guy could do at the moment, but I wanted to get the complaint into the system.
I wonder where this will end up.
UPDATE: on 9/4/07, I received a second email spam of the stock pump and dump variety. I called Cingular for my $0.15 credit.
Good idea (Score:2)
Frankly there is no reason that text messages should cost anything anyway if you already are paying for service, this is just a legacy "because we can" thing.
Re: (Score:2)
I fully intend to. I haven't gotten a second one yet, though...
So far so good (Score:2)