Yesterday I received a Text from WARID Telecom that I have won a prize of Rs.5 Million. I was not only surprised but shocked, because I didn’t participate in any of this prize winning competition, then I carefully checked the sender’s ID, no doubt that message was from WARID. Here is the text
“Dear Customer, we are glad to inform you that you have won a grand prize of Rs.5 Million, Congratulations! Our representative will be in touch with you shortly”
The sender ID was appearing as Warid, so there was nothing to worry about, in fact I was confused, because this was something which was pinning me.
After few Minutes, I received a call, the calling number was of Warid Telecom, with 0321******* code. That man introduced himself as representative of Warid, he congratulated me, and said to me that if I want to claim my prize – I will have to send them an amount of Rs.10,000 through easypaisa, as this is their policy.
Anyways, after his call, I made a call to the Warid helpline, and told them the story, they said that was a bogus call and SMS.
Here was question, how those fraud guys used ‘Warid‘name as sender ID while sending me Text? I thought to investigate the matter on internet.
Then I came to know, that these types of SMSs are called as Mask SMS, where you can set the sender’s ID whatever you want, either a digital number, or a Telco’s name e.g Warid.
A normal person would be happy to send payment to these frauds as he would be thinking that he has received SMS ‘officially” from Warid with same sender ID as Warid.
After my research I came to know that there are a lot of online companies, which are offering Mask SMS services (I am not mentioning names because of the security reasons).
What you need to get their services? Only a credit card, and you can get easily their service, and fraud people are doing same and are looting people here in Pakistan.
Check out the below screenshots of Mask SMS service provider company’s SMS sending process:
Now whatever you would write in “SMS from” that will appear as the send ID on the receiver’s mobile screen. If you write, Warid, and will send this text to any of Warid’s number, he would simply thinks that the message is being sent from Warid officially.
This is a really concern, and alarming situation not only for mobile phone companies but the people of Pakistan. If any of you receive any such type of SMS, please do not respond, and immediately contact the helpline of the mobile phone company.
Making People Fool on Internet is Like You Eat Apple of Your Friend
Peoples of Pakistan Must Confirm there Prizes from the Mobile Company help line if they want to Save themselves from these frauds.
After my research I came to know that there are a lot of online companies, which are offering Mask SMS services (I am not mentioning names because of the security reasons).
What security reasons?? it’s just an article, should’ve given names. If someone’s doing something as terrible as this, their name should be made public. Where’s the spirit of true journalism ??
“security reason” is that no fake people get their services. otherwise their business is quiet legal. it is up to u ,u use their services negatively or positively. pls use ur head before u comment.
no fake people get their services that’s why you don’t publish names?? how long does it take to google “mask sms services in pakistan” and you get the whole list of service providers.
heh! that’s funny! it’s up to us?? you make it sound as if this is just like manufacturing arms and ammunition!! the law enforcers can use it positively and the criminals can use it negatively. at least here we have the limitation of acquiring a license. the laws and regulations limit the use right??
In the mask sms case we don’t have any limitations, everyone’s free to use it however they want. get the point lady??
Ignorance is bliss i know…..