Vodacom fights SMS scams with Facebook

Mobile operator Vodacom today launched a tool to tackle scam SMSs. Adding a new tab on its Facebook page, Vodacom aims to use the social network to notify subscribers once new scams surface.

Located on the Vodacom Facebook page, the tab enables Facebook users to submit any SMS scams doing the rounds by clicking the +1 button. The plus one button is located next to recently added scams, allowing users to note prevalent SMS scams. The tab is open to anyone with Facebook access.

“It’s great to be able to harness the power and popularity of this new tool to solve an age-old problem. SMS scams have been around for just about as long as the SMS itself has, and up until now getting the word out has relied on traditional media. With this simple solution, we intend to close the window that scammers had to fleece unsuspecting people before the warning could be raised. Most importantly, rather than being driven by the company, this approach uses the combined experience of all of Vodacom’s customers,” Richard Boorman, Vodacom’s head of Corporate Affairs, said.

When a user enters an SMS scam onsite they will have to enter the number from which the SMS came and accompanying message. Facebook user’s identities remain anonymous. Submitted scams will be investigated by Vodacom’s Forensic Services team.

“One of the features of the tab is that all users will be able to see the scams that have been submitted and are under investigation, as well as the scams that have been confirmed and blocked. This facility helps to raise awareness of the different types of SMS scams as well as putting a stop to them at the same time,” says Boorman.

Staff writer