Skeptical mind = scam safegaurd

I got these texts:

18:50 24/02/11 +447516316438 The Government has introduced a Debt Settlement Order, this means people struggling with debt can apply to have it wiped off, to apply txt DEBT. 2 stop txt STOP

and the same again at 01:52 25/02/11 from +447526315186

I must admit, the first one came, I read it, was busy, and ignored it, and then forgot about it.

Undoubtedly these aren't genuine, and a quick google search to find out more about the scam and how to stop it, found James Wiseman's blog which reveals I'm a bit late to the party, as they've been doing the rounds since Jan, here's James' advice:

Reporting 

Back in May 2009, the Guardian newspaper wrote an article Spam to go – the new mobile menace. It recommends a number of organisations you can contact. 

To complain about an inappropriate text, call the Advertising Standards Authority 020 7492 2222 or go to www.asa.org.uk/asa/contact/ 

To resolve continual mobile spam despite texting “stop”, contact the ICO on 01625 54 57 45 or go to www.ico.gov.uk/complaints.aspx 

For help with premium rate text spam, call PhonepayPlus on 0800 500 212 or log on to www.phonepayplus.org.uk/output/Make-a-complaint.aspx 

You may be report these messages to your provider. The following links may help:
Vodafone – How do I report spam text messages?  

Orange – Stop spam text messagesT-Mobile don’t appear to have any page for reporting, but there are a few suggestions on this post 

You can also try NumberCop and DoNotCall.gov

I'll get on and report mine.

It makes me wonder, as they are still going on, how many people have been duped, as it is quite an enticing offer, and not everyone has the natural tendency to question things.

Spam

Well, my main thoughts with spam were to just delete it. However, I'm new to the blog scene and getting spammed by someone knocking atheism meant it was at least mildly targeted and not just porn, which makes me feel oddly special, plus DM has been very persistent in getting *the same* comment posted. So, please indulge me, or just skip to the end for the Sound of Science.

"The atheists are coming to my city - MONTREAL! http://www.atheistconvention.org/ please be sure to stop by for tea atheism is dead forever!"

I'd love to go to Montreal, and, I'll take you up on the offer of tea, if you don't mind paying my tickets, travel etc.

As for atheism being dead, the Gnu Atheist movement, and these statistics kinda say otherwise.

"add comment moderation to your BS you will not have a PUBLIC FORUM NEW GAME WITH YOU LITTLE F*CKERS - SPEAK N DIE. Come see the latest DM videos for your viewing pleasure! the WORLD TRADE CENTER PROPHECY - THE DANCE OF DEATH http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X0Hez25fFrg http://media.depechemode.com/micro_sites/remasters/gr/wallpaper/violator_8_640.jpg "

I've not added moderation, but blogger has automatic spam detection. Top tip though, one can still get a point across with out swearing.

"And the Pope is 100% correct: The Nazis and the atheists both wish to ABOLISH FAITH.... http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-11332515"

The Nazis may have been up for abolishing faith, but atheists are a mixed bunch. Certainly, there may be some who would like faith abolished. However, I suspect that, like my self, the larger, and over whelming majority are happy for people to believe whatever they want, so long as that doesn't impose on the rights of others. To do this, one must have a secular society whose laws and governance are based on the evidence of the matter at hand, and not religious dogma.


"hawking is WRONG science cannot explain NOTHING! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMRJJcfEXls& FAIR AND BALANCED! _____ http://dissidentphilosophy.lifediscussion.net/philosophy-f1/the-boobquake-911-t1310.htm"

I'll ignore your double negative. And your links. I tend to respond better to people who don't emphasise their words with capitals throughout; who maybe engage on the matters at hand, and who don't spit random links out at me. It's quite clear that we disagree on a few things. If you're ever coming to the UK, perhaps we can meet for a cup of tea and talk more civily.