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HAVE you ever received an SMS that appeared to come from your mobile service provider, asking you to click a link to verify your account or claim a reward?
Many social media users claim scammers are using fake mobile towers to send these messages directly to mobile phones of the public
Is this true?
Verdict:
TRUE
The Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) has busted a syndicate in Johor Baru believed to have been using a fake base transceiver station (BTS) to send fraudulent SMS messages containing scam links.
In a statement reported by Bernama, MCMC said a 32-year-old local man was found driving a vehicle equipped with a fake BTS device during an operation last Friday (July 24).
The device was allegedly used to transmit radio signals and send fraudulent SMS messages containing website links while impersonating a telecommunications service provider.
“Preliminary investigations found that the syndicate is believed to target public hotspots, particularly during peak hours, to maximise the distribution of scam SMS messages,” MCMC said.
It said a fake BTS is a non-compliant communications device that mimics mobile network signals, allowing SMS messages to be sent directly to users' mobile phones without passing through the official network of a telecommunications service provider.
This makes scam or spoofed messages appear legitimate, increasing the likelihood that recipients will click malicious links.
MCMC said that the case was being investigated under Section 239(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 and Regulation 16(1)(b) of the Communications and Multimedia (Technical Standards) Regulations 2000.
MCMC said it has conducted five special operations against fake BTS syndicates up to the middle of this year, including three in Genting Highlands and two in Johor.
“MCMC will continue to intensify joint operations with the Royal Malaysia Police to curb the misuse of radio frequency spectrum and telecommunications infrastructure for fraud and criminal activities,” it added.
The commission also urged the public to remain vigilant by avoiding suspicious SMS links, refraining from sharing banking or personal information without verifying that the source is official, and reporting suspicious messages to the authorities or their telecommunications service provider.
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