SMS Messaging and Crime

Don't believe an incoming sms text message, just because the sender is a number you recognize. People can now manipulate the "Sender's Number" that appears using sms spoofing or forgery.

Just like email, if you receive a too-good-to-be-true message, take the time to get in touch with those persons in some way to verify if the message you received really came from them.

In the Philippines, the "dugo-dugo" gang preys on people who readily believe voice calls informing them that a relative of theirs met an accident, and that they should deliver money for the hospital bills at some predetermined location. These calls are made via landline, and you'd be surprised how many people fall for such ploys.

Now that more and more employers exchange text messages with their household help, it's only a matter of time before similar gangs make use of SMS Spoofing.

It's also only a matter of time before we see variations of the dugo-dugo jokes. The ones that go:

Maid: Aruuuu, are you really Kuya? Then how come you don't call me [insert term of endearment here].
[ First posted on 07/21/2004 by Manuel Viloria ]