BS: spam question

Subject: BS: spam question
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 06:25 AM

Ihave just received a picture message from an english 086 number, is it likely to be spam or a virus if i opened it on my mobile?

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: GUEST,Marvin
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 06:34 AM

"08 is Freephone And Shared Cost / Special Tariff Code" according to BT phone book site, I would let it go, personally.

But then again I'm told that I am paranoid.
Untrue of course, but they want me to think it might be.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 08:56 AM

Googling for the full number should tell what it is.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 10:11 AM

All you have to do is type the number into Google and go. You get to hear of the experiences of people who have answered. I don't answer calls on my mobile from numbers not in my address book unless I'm expecting the delivery man to ring (we're hard to find) or if I can see it's a Bude number. Desperadoes who wish to contact me (rare) can leave me a message. I get loads of calls from 0843 numbers, all spam (I google them). I must have blocked around 30 such. I would never open any attachment or click on any link in a text or email unless I'm rock-solid sure that I know who it's from. They're out to get you.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: GUEST,Jack Campin
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 10:56 AM

You may sometimes get calls from the NHS on freephone numbers, so blocking all 0800 numbers isn't a good idea for someone living in the UK. They might have found a donor match to fit you with a new penis or brain.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 11:42 AM

I outsmarted myself one day by blocking a toll-free number. It turned out to be from my pharmacy, calling me about medicine. I had to use the owner's manual and go through a rigamarole to unblock it.

As Jack and Steve say, it's a good idea to google the number and learn about it.

========
Helpful tip: when possible, I put the manual for an item right under it, so I know where to find it. Doesn't apply to a mobile phone, unfortunately.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: The Sandman
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 12:15 PM

ok, its sorted, thanks everyone for your help

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: Vashta Nerada
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 02:49 PM

In the U.S. a Google search on an unknown number often gets results in a site called 1_800 Call Notes. I wish they had a smartphone app.

Subject: RE: BS: spam question
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 11 Feb 16 - 03:34 PM

"They might have found a donor match to fit you with a new penis or brain."

Same thing, as long as testicles are included.