Spam SMS messages on the rise: Quick Heal mobile threat detection numbers

Quick Heal Mobile Security

In September 2012, Quick Heal launched an initiative for mobile users to forward suspicious SMS messages to a predesignated number. We received an impressive response as a lot of mobile users actively forwarded their spam messages and contributed towards this cause.

The number to forward any suspicious SMS messages to is +91-86000-44733.

Millions of SMS messages are exchanged between various parties every single day. So attackers have increasingly started using this medium to emit spam and other suspicious messages to a large number of people simultaneously. Almost every mobile phone user has received such messages at some point or the other, so it is imperative to prevent such messages at the earliest.

The threat of SMiShing has also been on the rise for a while now and Quick Heal aims to counter this threat on mobile devices. With increased smartphone usage and mobile Internet access, confidential/private data is also stored on these devices so it is necessary to stay protected against such threats and not fall for phishing SMS messages.

Distribution of spam SMS messages received

SMS spam samples include various threats that emanate from different sources and target specific platforms. Out of all spam SMS messages that we received, 33% were phishing texts (the largest category) that asked for personal details in clever ways. Given below is the distribution of the total spam SMS messages we received in various categories. 

Category

Percentage

Phishing Messages (SMiShing)

33%

Property / Real Estate

11%

Telecom Provider

6.2%

Medical & Health Treatment / Consultancy

5.2%

Undisputed Message

5%

Shopping (Mall / Shops)

3.66%

Policy Insurance / Marketing

3.1%

Astrologist

2.9%

Share Market / Trading

2.3%

Education

2.26%

Banks / Finance Agencies

2.1%

Telephonic Shopping (Sales / Marketing)

1.9%

Public Alert / Information

1.7%

Social Network

1.7%

Tours & Traveling

1.7%

Advertising Agents / Agencies

1.58%

Consultancy / Placement Jobs

1.35%

Electronic Sales & Service

0.99%

Software Sales / Marketing

0.99%

Websites Advertisements

0.82%

Fitness Gyms / Clubs

0.68%

Vehicle Sales / Marketing

0.68%

Resort & Hotel

0.68%

Jokes / Wish / Shayari / Formal SMS

0.68%

Beauty Parlor / Cosmetics / Spa

0.45%

Pornography / Sexually Explicit

0.45%

 
We strongly recommend that our readers save the designated number to forward such messages to and spread the word about the same. The more information we receive from mobile users, the more suspicious messages we can block. Most of these messages contain standardized phrases and texts so the more samples we receive, the better mobile phone security we can offer.

If you receive spam SMS messages, please forward them to +91-86000-44733.

Quick Heal for Android and BlackBerry provides an effective SMS blocking feature which prevents spam messages from reaching the inbox in the first place. If flagged words or phrases are spotted by the program, the incoming SMS is instantly blocked. So it is essential to forward such spam messages as soon as you receive them.

Rahul Thadani

Rahul Thadani


63 Comments

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  1. i am planning to buy a lenovo android mobile and installing quick heal mobile security.but i m concerned about how much ram it will use. please assuage my concerns. thanx.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 17, 2013 at 2:00 PM

      Hi Rahul,
      You need not be concerned with the amount of RAM that will be used. The Android system is capable of handling multiple running apps simultaneously and Quick Heal Mobile Security will not affect your device speed and performance in any way. It is highly advisable that you install Quick Heal on your Android device as soon as possible.
      Regards.

      Reply
  2. how much ram does quick heal mobile antivirus use?

    Reply
  3. how much ram does quick heal mobile antivirus use?

    Reply
  4. I’m using Quick Heal on my laptop, not on my mobile, then why this message popped up today when I turned on windows ?
    And one interesting thing is that here are two persons commenting whose names are also Rahul.. 🙂 What is this ?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:03 PM

      Hi Rahul,
      This message is not meant only for Quick Heal mobile users. You can forward spam messages to the mentioned number from any device and platform.
      Regards.

      Reply
  5. Avatar LOKANATH SAHOOJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:39 PM

    Dear sir,I’m using IPHONE 4S ,CAN I INSTALL QUICKHEAL MOBILE SECURITY? I’M NOT FINDING THE LINK TO DOWNLOAD,PLZ HELP

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:01 PM

      Hi Lokanath,
      Unfortunately, Quick Heal Mobile Security is only available for the Android and BlackBerry platforms right now. We will inform you when we build the product for iOS devices. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  6. Avatar Sachin BoryalJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:47 PM

    Rahul sir,

    How many free space required to install Quick Heal Mobile Security..??

    Reply
  7. Avatar Sachin K. ShindeJanuary 17, 2013 at 3:48 PM

    I am using windows 6.1 smart phone, shall I forward the Suspicious SMS on same number? Or it is limited for Android only?

    Reply
  8. Avatar Sachin BoryalJanuary 17, 2013 at 4:05 PM

    Thanks,
    Sir, It requires very low space so i will intall quick Heal Mobile Security on karbon Mob.

    Reply
  9. what about iphones ????

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 17, 2013 at 5:11 PM

      Hi Sanket,
      Unfortunately, Quick Heal Mobile Security is only available for the Android and BlackBerry platforms right now. We will inform you when we build the product for iOS devices. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  10. sir, can u tell me is this is only for android phone/ SMART PHONE or not for second genretion malti-media phone?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:33 AM

      Hi Mayank,
      This data is for all mobile phones. This includes smartphones and regular feature phones as well. It is not just restricted to Android phones.
      Regards.

      Reply
  11. Avatar AVINASH HOLKARJanuary 17, 2013 at 5:38 PM

    Hi I am Avinash i am using mobile Nokia E6, i want to install quick heal mobile security. So please help how can I install it in my phone.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:38 AM

      Hi Avinash,
      I believe the mobile you are using functions on the Symbian platform. Unfortunately, Quick Heal Mobile Security does not function on this platform. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  12. IS IT AVAILABLE FOR WINDOWS PHONES????????

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 18, 2013 at 10:41 AM

      Hi,
      Quick Heal for mobile devices is only available for Android and BlackBerry platforms right now. We will update you if support for Windows Phone is added. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  13. Avatar ashwini kumar singhJanuary 17, 2013 at 6:45 PM

    thanks

    Reply
  14. Avatar Gautam MajumderJanuary 17, 2013 at 8:30 PM

    Hi,
    I am using Samsung Corby 2 mobile. Is it possible to install Quick Heal Mobile Security on my phone? & one more thing, I am using Quick Heal Total Security on my desktop computer. can I scan my mobile with it?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:53 AM

      Hi Gautam,
      Unfortunately, Quick Heal Mobile Security is unavailable for your specific Samsung device. We are also working on providing support for this device through the PC2Mobile scan feature of Quick Heal Total Security. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  15. can i install in my nokia x2 model? if it is posibel plz tell me how?

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:56 AM

      Hi Laxman,
      Unfortunately, Quick Heal Mobile Security is unavailable for your specific device. We are also working on providing support for this Nokia device through the PC2Mobile scan feature of Quick Heal Total Security. We regret the inconvenience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  16. HI RAHUL ,SIR
    IAM SIMPLE MAN BUT I WANT TO USE QUICK HEAL FOR MY COMPUTERS AND ANDROID MOBILE ……AS I THINK ITS TO BE BEST………CAN U SUGGEST ME CHEAP AND BEST AVAILBALE
    FOR ME,,……..AND SIR 1 MORE THING K7 SECURITY IS GIVING LIFE TIME PACK
    FOR PRICE OF 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION ………..CAN QUICK HEAL ALSO HAVE SUCH PACKS…………PLS LET ME KNOW

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 12:07 PM

      Hi Divanshu,
      You can view our product listing and pricing by visiting this link – https://www.quickheal.com/in/en/home-users. For your Android mobile you can also search for Quick Heal on Google Play. We do not compare our products with those of competitors in the market but we can tell you that we can offer you the best technical support and world class products for affordable prices. We guarantee that you will never be disappointed with our offerings.
      Regards.

      Reply
  17. Avatar Ashish DuttaJanuary 18, 2013 at 12:20 AM

    Hi..Am using Nokia N900,its a Linux based phone and usually Linux phones do not need Anti Virus.But i want to learn more about quick Heal for the phone as am using this in my laptop

    I receive hell lot of these sms

    Thanks in Advance

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:48 PM

      Hi Ashish,
      Unfortunately we do not have support for Linux or Symbian based phones. However, you can use the PC2Mobile scan feature of Quick Heal Total Security to scan your device.
      Regards.

      Reply
  18. what is the cost of sending the SMS to that particular number??

    Reply
  19. Hi, I installed the Quick Heal Internet Security2013 to protect the locate system (my PC) and avoid being hacked, I need anti-hacking?

    Reply
  20. Hii,
    Will Forwarding spam messages to above number stop recieving the msgs from same sender in future??
    Will I be charges for forwarding the msg to above no. or is it toll free?
    plz reply!

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 18, 2013 at 3:41 PM

      Hi Sumedh,
      You will be charged for forwarding these messages. The cost will be as per your standard SMS rates. When you forward the message it will help us recognize spam messages and suspicious texts.
      Regards.

      Reply
  21. Avatar aditya aryaJanuary 18, 2013 at 6:55 PM

    we have to save our mobile also from viruses,spam etc.we have to protect our mobile from antivirus.

    Reply
  22. Avatar Fahmi seedoJanuary 18, 2013 at 9:47 PM

    I tried to update it but it couldn’t , althought I have an empty space in my computer about 300GB , dose the problem from the server or what ? solve me as soon as

    Reply
  23. Hi Rahul,
    I hav purchased Quick Heal Total Security 2013 for my laptop.
    And I hav Samsung galaxy S an android phone, can I protect my cellphone from malwares or viruses through this antiviruses.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 10:47 AM

      Hi Chandra,
      You can install the Quick Heal Total Security application on your Android phone for antivirus protection. You will need to search for the application on Google Play and then install it from there directly. Alternately, you can use the PC2Mobile scan feature of Quick Heal Total Security 2013 that is installed on your laptop.
      Regards.

      Reply
  24. I”m using Total Security at my Laptop, does it includes mobile security?

    If yes, how to use it, if I.m using Blackberry Bold-3 (9780). If No, how to get it & what price range should it cost.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:05 AM

      Hi Vivek,
      Quick Heal Total Security for your laptop has a feature known as PC2Mobile scan. Your device is supported by this feature and you need to plug your device to the laptop (via USB) and then scan it. You can also purchase Quick Heal Mobile Security for BlackBerry and install it on your device. Please follow this link for the same – https://www.quickheal.com/in/en/home-users.
      Regards.

      Reply
  25. Hi,
    I have installed Quick Heal protection in my Black Berry. By activating its anti-theft feature, the phone gets blocked everytime I add an app/theme or by simply switch off and on the phone.

    Is there a solution?

    Reply
  26. Avatar MOHIT SHASTRIJanuary 19, 2013 at 1:35 PM

    WHAT WAS the reason to re_design quick heal web site?

    New designed web site http://www.quickheal.com is not better and nice then previous

    web site.

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:12 AM

      Hi Mohit,
      Thank you for your feedback on the new design of the website. We have made a note of the same. Please feel free to offer more suggestions in the future as well.
      Regards.

      Reply
  27. Avatar Anthony NoronhaJanuary 19, 2013 at 7:54 PM

    I had purchased quick heal Mobile and installed it on my Phone.For some reason I unistalled it from the phone now I want to reinstall it but I do not have the Key No.Can you help me. My Mobile no is 9820119963 Mumbai India.
    Thanks

    Reply
  28. i hav n8 is it supported..if yes please tell me the link for download..thnx

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:21 AM

      Hi Rohit,
      If you have Quick Heal Total Security for your PC, you can use the PC2Mobile scan feature to scan the Nokia mobile phone that you possess.
      Regards.

      Reply
  29. Dear Rahul,
    I am presently using two mobile phones — 1) NOKIA LUMIA 800 and 2) SAMSUNG Galaxy S II DUOS . Kindly advice appropriate anti viruses for those two devices and how can I get those products….Regards…

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:27 AM

      Hi Pallab,
      For your Samsung Galaxy device we recommend that you visit Google Play and install the Quick Heal Total Security application from there. Unfortunately, we do not currently have support for your Nokia Lumia device. We will inform you when we can provide support for the same. Thanks for your patience.
      Regards.

      Reply
  30. Avatar chandra prakashJanuary 20, 2013 at 8:13 AM

    I am using QH in my laptop and not in my cell phone,so why is this message coming.
    And of course want to know that running defragmentation wouldn’t affect my computer no??????????

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 21, 2013 at 11:37 AM

      Hi Chandra,
      This message is for all Quick Heal users across all platforms. Running defragmentation will not affect your computer badly at all. It is for the benefit of your machine.
      Regards.

      Reply
  31. please do the update security

    Reply
  32. Avatar SUBHASH KUMAWATJanuary 21, 2013 at 1:12 PM

    I AM USING SAMSUNG GALAXY ACE DUES ANDROID PHONE I INSTALLED QUICK HEAL TOTAL SECURITY ON MY LAPTOP I WANT TO SCAN MY MOBILE WITH IT . SO PLZ TELL ME WHAT SHOULD I DO FOR IT. HOW CAN I CLEAN THE VIRUSE FROM MY MOBILE

    Reply
    • Rahul Thadani Rahul ThadaniJanuary 22, 2013 at 10:13 AM

      Hi Subhash,
      One option for you is to connect your phone with your laptop via a USB cable and scan it through the PC2Mobile scan feature of Quick Heal Total Security. Another option is to visit Google Play on your smartphone and search for Quick Heal Total Security for mobile there. Once installed, this application can provide constant protection to your device.
      Regards.

      Reply
  33. i am using nokia c6-01 mobile. whenever i try to scan it with quick heal, the scanning does not start for a long time though the mobile is detected by quick heal.. so plz do help me in this matter…
    Thanking you…

    Reply
  34. Sir am using nokia lumia 520 phone. I cant get a link for quickheal mobile security. Does it support windows phone or not. Please revert

    Reply
  35. rahul, i have quick heal 2013 installed in my computer with xp (sp 2), but when i connect my mobile (samsung galaaxy ace) with my computer through usb connect for mobile scan anti virus is not detecting my phone whereas i already enabled usb debugging and i m unable to download quick heal in my phone right now. so help me.

    regards

    Reply