SMS Text Message Spam - revisited

Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
Spam Text messages.

They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are still
no guarantees) is to either:

1. Change Phone Number
_______OR_________
2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan

Still, the rational is that the same signal/procedure that is used to notify
you of voice mail is used to carry the test message; since voice mail can
include numeric or alpha-numeric paging, as a option present on the
branching of voice mail option.

What I don't understand is why they can't use the concept of ESN/IMEI and
Phone Number to uniquely identify a subscriber and block text messaging to
that unique identity on their network. It has to be possible, but the
most difficult part of that equation is getting them to understand the
concept. The CS rep that I talked to for 28 minutes this morning also said
she was with Tech Support when I asked to be transferred. She wouldn't
transfer me to a supervisor or anyone else to discuss the subject. It was a
polite conversation, but a basic semantic void for 90% of the time.

They are implementing a new (gasp) Spam filter tomorrow (10/14/2003). I
guess this is the 3rd or 4th one that I have been told about by CS. in as
many calls discussing getting rid of the Spam on our new account. As it
stands now, my account has been noted that if the new filter doesn't
effectively cut down or eliminate the Spam on our phone that is affected by
it (one phone gets 0, the other now getting upwards to 40 spam messages per
day), by C.O.B. 10/14/2003 as defined to be 5:00 PM EST (UTC -5 hours),
then that phone is unusable and the account is not serving our needs.. This
puts the ball in their court. CS seemed to indicate that my concerns about
canceling service due to this was a valid one, and I don't feel they will be
looking for a contract buy-out requirement on my part. However, until I get
to the corner of walk and don't walk on that issue that is all speculation..

The standard procedure for the wife to use her phone now is to turn it on,
let it register with the network, delete first batch of Spam that has
already triggered a memory full error, then delete the second batch - Before
attempting to use the phone. Despite taking the option to disable message
notification during calls, she still gets the beep when new Spam arrives.
It is worse than VOX operation, in it's ability to lessen the
intelligibility of a phone call. The only solution they have is to remove
voice mail. The only solution to that solution that I know of is to find
another carrier that can control it's network and doesn't put the revenue
that it gains from services such as SMS above the ability of the customer to
use and control their account. It is a shame that this is the direction
that Nextel is taking on this.

I know that if I can divert over 100 of the current Microsoft Update virus
messages I get per day to my deleted message box, using the simple
technology of message rules that their administrator should be able to do
the same if not more; especially since they have an IMEI/ESN and 10 digit
phone number (Subscriber Identifier) to uniquely separate that particular
phone on that particular account from every other phone on every account
they service. Not exactly rocket science; but may as well be brain surgery
with a pocket knife.....

---

› See More: SMS Text Message Spam - revisited

"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]...
> Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> Spam Text messages.
>
> They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
still
> no guarantees) is to either:
>
> 1. Change Phone Number
> _______OR_________
> 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan

.... lots of extra stuff deleted...

Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
my fingers that I don't get more.

I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
the resolution of it is.

Chris

"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news[email protected]...
> Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> Spam Text messages.
>
> They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
still
> no guarantees) is to either:
>
> 1. Change Phone Number
> _______OR_________
> 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan

.... lots of extra stuff deleted...

Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
my fingers that I don't get more.

I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
the resolution of it is.

Chris

david,

i get text messages (spam) every day. my husband only gets 2-5 per day. i
get approximately 2-3 per hour and so i finally decided ( on my own) to do
the text to text message add on. it does not work either. so i too am stuck
with the stupid spam messages. i just delete everyone i get and it is a pain
in the a**. i have never given my number out to anyone who would send me
these messages. i only get two to three per day that are actually mine from
my husband or son. sucks.............
tina

"All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]...
> > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> > Spam Text messages.
> >
> > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> still
> > no guarantees) is to either:
> >
> > 1. Change Phone Number
> > _______OR_________
> > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
>
> ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
>
> Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> my fingers that I don't get more.
>
> I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> the resolution of it is.
>
> Chris
>
>

david,

i get text messages (spam) every day. my husband only gets 2-5 per day. i
get approximately 2-3 per hour and so i finally decided ( on my own) to do
the text to text message add on. it does not work either. so i too am stuck
with the stupid spam messages. i just delete everyone i get and it is a pain
in the a**. i have never given my number out to anyone who would send me
these messages. i only get two to three per day that are actually mine from
my husband or son. sucks.............
tina

"All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]...
> > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> > Spam Text messages.
> >
> > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> still
> > no guarantees) is to either:
> >
> > 1. Change Phone Number
> > _______OR_________
> > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
>
> ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
>
> Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> my fingers that I don't get more.
>
> I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> the resolution of it is.
>
> Chris
>
>

I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on the
internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a lot of
corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning to
wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the address
book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.

What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's Windoze
based servers? The possibilities are endless.

Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will be
able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that is
supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.


"All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]...
> > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> > Spam Text messages.
> >
> > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> still
> > no guarantees) is to either:
> >
> > 1. Change Phone Number
> > _______OR_________
> > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
>
> ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
>
> Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> my fingers that I don't get more.
>
> I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> the resolution of it is.
>
> Chris
>
>

I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on the
internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a lot of
corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning to
wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the address
book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.

What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's Windoze
based servers? The possibilities are endless.

Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will be
able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that is
supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.


"All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news[email protected]...
> > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support concerning
> > Spam Text messages.
> >
> > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> still
> > no guarantees) is to either:
> >
> > 1. Change Phone Number
> > _______OR_________
> > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
>
> ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
>
> Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> my fingers that I don't get more.
>
> I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> the resolution of it is.
>
> Chris
>
>

I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be launching
the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I hope it
works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....


"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on the
> internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a lot
of
> corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning to
> wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the address
> book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
> every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
>
> What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
> phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
Windoze
> based servers? The possibilities are endless.
>
> Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will be
> able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that
is
> supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.
>
>
> "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news[email protected]...
> > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
concerning
> > > Spam Text messages.
> > >
> > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> > still
> > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > >
> > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > _______OR_________
> > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> >
> > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> >
> > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > my fingers that I don't get more.
> >
> > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > the resolution of it is.
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
>
>

I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be launching
the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I hope it
works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....


"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on the
> internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a lot
of
> corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning to
> wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the address
> book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
> every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
>
> What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
> phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
Windoze
> based servers? The possibilities are endless.
>
> Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will be
> able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that
is
> supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.
>
>
> "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> >
> > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news[email protected]...
> > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
concerning
> > > Spam Text messages.
> > >
> > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there are
> > still
> > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > >
> > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > _______OR_________
> > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> >
> > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> >
> > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > my fingers that I don't get more.
> >
> > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > the resolution of it is.
> >
> > Chris
> >
> >
>
>

Well, it is always good to get another update.

So far
9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
will be installed by late September.

Yesterday
10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
will be installed on 10/14/2003

In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed on a
number of occasions at a number of times.

I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you sure
this isn't a Government project?

I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody; once.....
After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...

We'll see.

It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the office
that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a question.
After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about 14
years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or for
permanent ignore of a bug.

Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech support
on the servers.......



"Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be launching
> the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
> place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I hope
it
> works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
>
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on
the
> > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a
lot
> of
> > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning
to
> > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
address
> > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
> > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> >
> > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
> > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> Windoze
> > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> >
> > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will
be
> > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that
> is
> > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.
> >
> >
> > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news[email protected]...
> > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> concerning
> > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > >
> > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there
are
> > > still
> > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > >
> > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > _______OR_________
> > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > >
> > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > >
> > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > >
> > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > the resolution of it is.
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Well, it is always good to get another update.

So far
9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
will be installed by late September.

Yesterday
10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
will be installed on 10/14/2003

In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed on a
number of occasions at a number of times.

I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you sure
this isn't a Government project?

I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody; once.....
After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...

We'll see.

It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the office
that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a question.
After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about 14
years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or for
permanent ignore of a bug.

Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech support
on the servers.......



"Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be launching
> the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
> place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I hope
it
> works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
>
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on
the
> > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a
lot
> of
> > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am beginning
to
> > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
address
> > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out to
> > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> >
> > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online storage
> > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> Windoze
> > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> >
> > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will
be
> > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter that
> is
> > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should decrease.
> >
> >
> > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > >
> > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news[email protected]...
> > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> concerning
> > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > >
> > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there
are
> > > still
> > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > >
> > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > _______OR_________
> > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > >
> > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > >
> > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > >
> > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > the resolution of it is.
> > >
> > > Chris
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Angela was correct. The filter was added Oct 14, 2003. I got the dates
mixed up. We have also started a "Do not call" list of our own. You can
now call Nextel and asked to be removed from out list. This includes phone
calls, SMS, e-mails, letters, and one other that I can't remember. Just
call Care and ask about it.


"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:%[email protected]...
> Well, it is always good to get another update.
>
> So far
> 9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
> will be installed by late September.
>
> Yesterday
> 10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
> will be installed on 10/14/2003
>
> In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed on
a
> number of occasions at a number of times.
>
> I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you
sure
> this isn't a Government project?
>
> I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody;
once.....
> After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...
>
> We'll see.
>
> It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the
office
> that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a question.
> After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about 14
> years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
> place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or for
> permanent ignore of a bug.
>
> Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech
support
> on the servers.......
>
>
>
> "Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be
launching
> > the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
> > place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I
hope
> it
> > works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
> >
> >
> > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on
> the
> > > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a
> lot
> > of
> > > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am
beginning
> to
> > > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
> address
> > > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out
to
> > > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> > >
> > > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online
storage
> > > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> > Windoze
> > > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> > >
> > > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will
> be
> > > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter
that
> > is
> > > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should
decrease.
> > >
> > >
> > > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > >
> > > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > > news[email protected]...
> > > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> > concerning
> > > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > > >
> > > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there
> are
> > > > still
> > > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > > _______OR_________
> > > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > > >
> > > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > > >
> > > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > > >
> > > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > > the resolution of it is.
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

Angela was correct. The filter was added Oct 14, 2003. I got the dates
mixed up. We have also started a "Do not call" list of our own. You can
now call Nextel and asked to be removed from out list. This includes phone
calls, SMS, e-mails, letters, and one other that I can't remember. Just
call Care and ask about it.


"David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:%[email protected]...
> Well, it is always good to get another update.
>
> So far
> 9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
> will be installed by late September.
>
> Yesterday
> 10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam Filter
> will be installed on 10/14/2003
>
> In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed on
a
> number of occasions at a number of times.
>
> I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you
sure
> this isn't a Government project?
>
> I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody;
once.....
> After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...
>
> We'll see.
>
> It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the
office
> that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a question.
> After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about 14
> years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
> place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or for
> permanent ignore of a bug.
>
> Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech
support
> on the servers.......
>
>
>
> "Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:[email protected]...
> > I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be
launching
> > the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to take
> > place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I
hope
> it
> > works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
> >
> >
> > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses on
> the
> > > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing a
> lot
> > of
> > > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am
beginning
> to
> > > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
> address
> > > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out
to
> > > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> > >
> > > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online
storage
> > > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> > Windoze
> > > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> > >
> > > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I will
> be
> > > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter
that
> > is
> > > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should
decrease.
> > >
> > >
> > > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > >
> > > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > > news[email protected]...
> > > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> > concerning
> > > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > > >
> > > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and there
> are
> > > > still
> > > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > > >
> > > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > > _______OR_________
> > > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > > >
> > > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > > >
> > > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years that
> > > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > > >
> > > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > > the resolution of it is.
> > > >
> > > > Chris
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

I just got off the phone at 8:19 PM EST on a call that started at 7:13 PM
EST. During that call, I was told that a Spam Filter had to be put on the
individual phone number. The I was told that once the spam filter was in
place, you would loose voice mail notification. During that nearly hour
long call, I spoke to customer service, wireless web support and indirectly
to tech support (while wireless web support relayed to them the basis of our
conversation). No one brought up that there is a Do Not Call list. A
little consistency would be nice.

also, here are a few more revelations from this evening's call to customer
support.

****************************

Latest observations, developments and mythology

I have gone through Customer Service, Wireless Web Support, and am now on
hold while they pow-wow with Tech Support. The phone call started at 7:13pm,
referred to wireless web at 7:53 and I am still on hold at 8:14pm.

Here is today's talking points:

Spam Filters are individually placed on a customer's account..

Spam Filters are placed on the server; not customer's accounts..

Spam Filter on customer's account turns off Voice Mail notification..

You can't drop SMS text messaging from the account without losing Voice
Mail..

You can't drop SMS text messaging from the account without losing Voice Mail
Notification.

SMS notification and Voice Mail notification are exactly the same on the
datastream, and there is no way to eliminate one without loosing the other.

When you sign up for SMS text messaging and not voice mail, voice mail has
to be included. (If they are able to mask it from you, this is positive
proof that SMS text messaging could be disabled without loosing voice mail)

And back in the real world......

I started keeping a log of the Spam we are getting; around 30 messages a
day, limited to that only due to the memory not holding more than 15 before
all need to be deleted, and the fact that the wife only turns it on when she
gets home and has finally stopped carrying or using it due to the spam. I
have started keeping the log, now that she refused to carry, turn on or use
the phone in any way.

The messages that have an identifier using the phone number they are
directed show that any number within a 99 digit range of the wife's phone
land's on her phone. Out of 40 messages; one was actually directed to her
number. Example - our phone number structure is XXX YYY 02ZZ, where XXX is
Area Code, YYY is prefix and ZZ is last 2 digits of the phone number. We
have received spam that is directed to numbers far above and below the 100
digit range (00 - 99) that ZZ could be. This is a major "flaw" in the logic
of the SMS programming routines on the Nextel server. (or a brilliant con;
similar to the bank programmer that siphoned interest in one hundredths of a
percent column for an large banking chain and had them deposited into an
account that was hidden in the system that he had access to. I suspect that
someone within the company is very much aware of this "flaw" and is probably
a swimming pool, personal spa and a few exotic cars away from allowing it to
change) Wireless web has been notified of this glitch.

The text messages seem cryptic; indication of corrupted database on server
or cross-linking. Nextel wireless web has been notified.

There is some guarded talk of SMS being switched to 2-way wireless messaging
(both the CS rep and I think this is a misunderstanding of what actually may
have been discussed)

Apparently the Nextel web storage of phone/address books has been the target
of a virus that is similar to the Windoze one that downloads an address book
from user 1 then uploads it to user 2's machine and commands it to start
reproducing itself from user 2's machine using user 1's address book
contents. In the meantime, it spams a few thousand of Nextel's SMS customers
while it has nothing else to do. This problem will grow exponentially, if
there is any accuracy in this guess.


The phone call to CS that started at 7:13 ended at 8:19. I got an email
address at Nextel to send my text log to document the corruption of the
database, and the error in the program that redirects spam to the closest
active account. I am sure that this practice will be a major point of
contention in any legal proceeding; if allowed to continue Done|


"Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Angela was correct. The filter was added Oct 14, 2003. I got the dates
> mixed up. We have also started a "Do not call" list of our own. You can
> now call Nextel and asked to be removed from out list. This includes
phone
> calls, SMS, e-mails, letters, and one other that I can't remember. Just
> call Care and ask about it.
>
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:%[email protected]...
> > Well, it is always good to get another update.
> >
> > So far
> > 9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam
Filter
> > will be installed by late September.
> >
> > Yesterday
> > 10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam
Filter
> > will be installed on 10/14/2003
> >
> > In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed
on
> a
> > number of occasions at a number of times.
> >
> > I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you
> sure
> > this isn't a Government project?
> >
> > I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody;
> once.....
> > After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...
> >
> > We'll see.
> >
> > It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the
> office
> > that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a
question.
> > After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about
14
> > years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
> > place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or
for
> > permanent ignore of a bug.
> >
> > Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech
> support
> > on the servers.......
> >
> >
> >
> > "Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be
> launching
> > > the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to
take
> > > place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I
> hope
> > it
> > > works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
> > >
> > >
> > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > > > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > > > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses
on
> > the
> > > > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > > > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing
a
> > lot
> > > of
> > > > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am
> beginning
> > to
> > > > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
> > address
> > > > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out
> to
> > > > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> > > >
> > > > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online
> storage
> > > > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> > > Windoze
> > > > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> > > >
> > > > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I
will
> > be
> > > > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter
> that
> > > is
> > > > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should
> decrease.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
> > > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > >
> > > > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > > > news[email protected]...
> > > > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> > > concerning
> > > > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and
there
> > are
> > > > > still
> > > > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > > > _______OR_________
> > > > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > > > >
> > > > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > > > >
> > > > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years
that
> > > > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > > > the resolution of it is.
> > > > >
> > > > > Chris
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>

I just got off the phone at 8:19 PM EST on a call that started at 7:13 PM
EST. During that call, I was told that a Spam Filter had to be put on the
individual phone number. The I was told that once the spam filter was in
place, you would loose voice mail notification. During that nearly hour
long call, I spoke to customer service, wireless web support and indirectly
to tech support (while wireless web support relayed to them the basis of our
conversation). No one brought up that there is a Do Not Call list. A
little consistency would be nice.

also, here are a few more revelations from this evening's call to customer
support.

****************************

Latest observations, developments and mythology

I have gone through Customer Service, Wireless Web Support, and am now on
hold while they pow-wow with Tech Support. The phone call started at 7:13pm,
referred to wireless web at 7:53 and I am still on hold at 8:14pm.

Here is today's talking points:

Spam Filters are individually placed on a customer's account..

Spam Filters are placed on the server; not customer's accounts..

Spam Filter on customer's account turns off Voice Mail notification..

You can't drop SMS text messaging from the account without losing Voice
Mail..

You can't drop SMS text messaging from the account without losing Voice Mail
Notification.

SMS notification and Voice Mail notification are exactly the same on the
datastream, and there is no way to eliminate one without loosing the other.

When you sign up for SMS text messaging and not voice mail, voice mail has
to be included. (If they are able to mask it from you, this is positive
proof that SMS text messaging could be disabled without loosing voice mail)

And back in the real world......

I started keeping a log of the Spam we are getting; around 30 messages a
day, limited to that only due to the memory not holding more than 15 before
all need to be deleted, and the fact that the wife only turns it on when she
gets home and has finally stopped carrying or using it due to the spam. I
have started keeping the log, now that she refused to carry, turn on or use
the phone in any way.

The messages that have an identifier using the phone number they are
directed show that any number within a 99 digit range of the wife's phone
land's on her phone. Out of 40 messages; one was actually directed to her
number. Example - our phone number structure is XXX YYY 02ZZ, where XXX is
Area Code, YYY is prefix and ZZ is last 2 digits of the phone number. We
have received spam that is directed to numbers far above and below the 100
digit range (00 - 99) that ZZ could be. This is a major "flaw" in the logic
of the SMS programming routines on the Nextel server. (or a brilliant con;
similar to the bank programmer that siphoned interest in one hundredths of a
percent column for an large banking chain and had them deposited into an
account that was hidden in the system that he had access to. I suspect that
someone within the company is very much aware of this "flaw" and is probably
a swimming pool, personal spa and a few exotic cars away from allowing it to
change) Wireless web has been notified of this glitch.

The text messages seem cryptic; indication of corrupted database on server
or cross-linking. Nextel wireless web has been notified.

There is some guarded talk of SMS being switched to 2-way wireless messaging
(both the CS rep and I think this is a misunderstanding of what actually may
have been discussed)

Apparently the Nextel web storage of phone/address books has been the target
of a virus that is similar to the Windoze one that downloads an address book
from user 1 then uploads it to user 2's machine and commands it to start
reproducing itself from user 2's machine using user 1's address book
contents. In the meantime, it spams a few thousand of Nextel's SMS customers
while it has nothing else to do. This problem will grow exponentially, if
there is any accuracy in this guess.


The phone call to CS that started at 7:13 ended at 8:19. I got an email
address at Nextel to send my text log to document the corruption of the
database, and the error in the program that redirects spam to the closest
active account. I am sure that this practice will be a major point of
contention in any legal proceeding; if allowed to continue Done|


"Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> Angela was correct. The filter was added Oct 14, 2003. I got the dates
> mixed up. We have also started a "Do not call" list of our own. You can
> now call Nextel and asked to be removed from out list. This includes
phone
> calls, SMS, e-mails, letters, and one other that I can't remember. Just
> call Care and ask about it.
>
>
> "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> news:%[email protected]...
> > Well, it is always good to get another update.
> >
> > So far
> > 9/15/03 @ 1:40PM EST, Melissa at Nextel Customer support says Spam
Filter
> > will be installed by late September.
> >
> > Yesterday
> > 10/1303 @ 10:13AM EST, Angela at Nextel Customer support says Spam
Filter
> > will be installed on 10/14/2003
> >
> > In the time between, on Howard Forums, it was announced to be installed
on
> a
> > number of occasions at a number of times.
> >
> > I believe I read on this Newsgroup another few arrival dates. Are you
> sure
> > this isn't a Government project?
> >
> > I am a good old boy from the South, and I tend to believe anybody;
> once.....
> > After that, my natural genetic disposition for skepticism kicks in...
> >
> > We'll see.
> >
> > It looks more and more like the "Spam Filter" for Nextel is like the
> office
> > that Novell used to refer dealers to when they couldn't answer a
question.
> > After finally going from bottom to top there, while I was a CNE (about
14
> > years ago), they finally came clean and admitted it didn't exist; just a
> > place to refer folks to while they bought some time with an issue, or
for
> > permanent ignore of a bug.
> >
> > Looks like Nextel may have some old Novell employees working in tech
> support
> > on the servers.......
> >
> >
> >
> > "Nextel CSR" <Nextel_CSR@_SPAM_hotmail.com> wrote in message
> > news:[email protected]...
> > > I saw on I-Connect ( Customer Care's Bible ) that Nextel will be
> launching
> > > the new SPAM filter on Oct 15, 2003 (tomorrow). I was supposed to
take
> > > place in November, but I guess headquarters decided to change it. I
> hope
> > it
> > > works, I'm getting tired of crediting everyone....
> > >
> > >
> > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > I have started a text file tonight of all the messages (30) that she
> > > > received today. It should be fairly revealing. Apparently there is
> > > > spoofing of cell message ids just like there is on email addresses
on
> > the
> > > > internet. I have a message from the same phone number at
> > > > messaging.Nextel.com from 2 different user names. Also I am seeing
a
> > lot
> > > of
> > > > corrupted messages and incomplete or cross linked ones. I am
> beginning
> > to
> > > > wonder if there is a possible parallel to the virus that take the
> > address
> > > > book of one user and store it on another system and sends itself out
> to
> > > > every one in user A's address book from user B's computer.
> > > >
> > > > What would happen if this virus was somehow accessing the online
> storage
> > > > phonebooks from cell phones, or had become nested in one of Nextel's
> > > Windoze
> > > > based servers? The possibilities are endless.
> > > >
> > > > Obviously the more of these spams I log to the file, the better I
will
> > be
> > > > able to make a better educated guess. However, if the spam filter
> that
> > > is
> > > > supposed to go in 10/14/2003 does it's job, the number should
> decrease.
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > "All the News" <[email protected]> wrote in
message
> > > > news:[email protected]...
> > > > >
> > > > > "David Little" <[email protected]> wrote in message
> > > > > news[email protected]...
> > > > > > Just had another enlightening call to Nextel Customer Support
> > > concerning
> > > > > > Spam Text messages.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > They still insist that the only way to cure the problem (and
there
> > are
> > > > > still
> > > > > > no guarantees) is to either:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > 1. Change Phone Number
> > > > > > _______OR_________
> > > > > > 2. Cancel Voice Mail option on your plan
> > > > >
> > > > > ... lots of extra stuff deleted...
> > > > >
> > > > > Hey David... thanks for the updates. So far, in the few years
that
> > > > > I've had my nextel, I've only gotten one spam message. Crossing
> > > > > my fingers that I don't get more.
> > > > >
> > > > > I'm really following your situation so I'm interested to see that
> > > > > the resolution of it is.
> > > > >
> > > > > Chris
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
>
>