Users who install malicious apps are unknowingly becoming illegal spam senders, resulting in their mobile phone services being suspended, prompting authorities to issue a warning.
The Broadcasting and Media Communications Commission (BMCC) said illegal streaming apps such as TVWiki have been exploiting users' phone numbers to mass-send illegal spam promoting gambling sites and other illicit content, and urged the public to exercise caution.
Phone numbers used to send mass illegal spam may be suspended under mobile carriers' terms of service, and affected users cannot receive compensation in such cases. The Illegal Spam Response Center, jointly operated by the BMCC and the Korea Internet & Security Agency (KISA), has recently received reports that illegal spam texts beginning with messages such as "cc취금이니~?" and "cc♥welcome 100%~" — designed to lure recipients to gambling sites — were mass-sent from individual users' phone numbers, leading to those numbers being suspended. The method involves malicious streaming apps gaining access to users' text messages during the installation process, then using those numbers to mass-send illegal spam promoting gambling sites to other people.
"Users must be careful not to install apps from unverified sources to avoid unknowingly becoming illegal spam senders," the BMCC said. If a mobile phone is suspected of being infected with malware from a malicious app, users should delete the app or factory-reset their device. The BMCC explained that users whose phone service has been suspended due to spam exploitation can receive expert consultation through the Illegal Spam Response Center. In such cases, users must submit documentation verifying the circumstances to their mobile carrier to proceed with lifting the suspension.
The BMCC urged the public to actively report any confirmed illegal spam through the Illegal Spam Quick Report app or the mobile phone quick report system.