Hakom - Croatian Post and Electronic Communications Agency

ZAGREB, February 23, 2018 - A new kind of fraudulent attempt via cell phones unfamiliar to the end- users has emerged on the Croatian market. Scamming is mostly endangering the users of mobile phone with the Android operating system when trying to install some of free applications containing malicious code. It refers to the simple games with  special fonts or camera effects that can legally be downloaded in Google Store as well as to some of the unauthorized downloaded applications with (for example, the Navigation app). After installing such applications which probably serves different purpose, the malicious code sends SMS message to some of the short codes with special tariffs without knowledge and permission of the user. The unplanned and unwanted costs for the users have been created and sending the word STOP on the short code does not necessarily solve the problem because the malicious application can re-log the user to the service while it is installed on the mobile phone.

In order to protect themselves the users of the Android mobile operating system should be careful which access rights should be provided to the applications they would like to install, which means they shouldn’t install the applications requesting  the access to something unrelated to the purpose of the application. For example, if an application refers to the camera effects then it does not need access to an SMS text messages or cell phone calls and as such should be avoided. The Users are advised to forbid the access to SMS text messages and phone calls and phone access if this is not absolutely necessary for the application's functionality.

There is also a general mode to stop all costs of services in special tariff. Free of charge, each user can ask his/her  operator to  stop sending  and receiving SMS messages to short codes or to call numbers for special tariff services. In this case users will not be able to use services which also belong to special tariffs such as SMS parking etc. It seems that users who do not use Android OS are not endangered with this scam but should still keep general security tips while downloading apps, even available at official stores.

Anyone who notices expense made by third party on their monthly accounts must pay only an undisputed part of the bills and file a complaint with the operator within 30 days of the account maturity date. HAKOM will examine each case submitted in legal terms, in the dispute if it is not suitably resolved by the operator. Currently, there is an inspection supervision of this case.
 
The recent fraud with special tariff services included direct interaction of users who either had to return the missed call or send SMS text message to make the cost. The latest fraud does not require any interaction in the cell phone has already been infected.

                                                                                       # # #

For additional information please contact:
Croatian Regulatory Authority for Network Industries (HAKOM)
Roberta Frangeša Mihanovića 9
10110 Zagreb, Croatia
Tel. + 385 (0) 1 700 70 07
Fax + 385 (0)1 700 70 70

Media inquiries can be submitted online using HAKOM’s official website:
Registration required.