2018 has just started and there is already a hoax SMS doing the rounds, targeting telecom subscribers. The SMS misinforms telecom subscribers that voice services on their number will stop from January 7, and asks them to port their number to other networks. This message is being sent to users of all telecom operators and in various circles going by complaints from consumers on Twitter.
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Interestingly, the message asks users to port their number to “any other network” by generating a UPC (Unique Porting Code), and does not name any particular operator they should port to. Irate customers targeted by the SMS have, unsurprisingly, taken to Twitter to get some answers around the matter.
Telecom companies such as Jio[2], Vodafone[3] and Idea[4] have started responding to customers’ queries around the SMS, denouncing the message as spam and asking users to ignore it. An Airtel[5] representative also confirmed to Gadgets 360 that the message is spam. Tata Docomo[6] and BSNL[7] subscribers have received the message too, going by the tweets.
Please ignore and don't believe on such fake messages. We are always here to give you authentic updates - Devendra
— JioCare (@JioCare)
This is a spam msg and has not been sent by Vodafone. We request you to ignore this msg & we assure you of continued uninterrupted services. - Harsha
— Vodafone India (@VodafoneIN)
Sorry for trouble caused to you,We request you to please kindly ignore the message.
We...