Latest news with #iMessage
The Star
a day ago
- The Star
Beware texts asking for personal details
KLANG: Any short messaging service (SMS) content that includes hyperlinks, callback numbers or requests for personal information is likely to be from scammers rather than legitimate sources. According to a source involved in network security, the Malaysian Communication and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) issued a statement last year regarding this matter. He noted that the MCMC had announced that, as of September 2024, the sending of hyperlinks, callback numbers and requests for personal information via SMS would be prohibited. This directive had been communicated to all telecommunication companies, he added. However, the source, who wished to remain anonymous, noted that the MCMC faced several additional challenges, especially regarding Internet messaging services such as Google's Rich Communication Services (RCS) and Apple's iMessage. Both of these services are integrated within the SMS application. Consequently, if there is a message icon displayed on the phone, it allows users to receive RCS and iMessage as well. 'I believe both Google and Apple have not 'ingested' the rules issued by the MCMC,' he said. He said the MCMC seems determined to enforce the prohibition ruling on both platforms, given that many had become victims of scams after receiving bogus messages, including those allegedly from the government. In addition to these, there were other conduits that facilitated scams, including fake base stations, commonly referred to as rogue base stations or Stingrays. 'Phones try to connect to the strongest signals available, and hence, if there is a fake base station with a strong signal, phones will try connecting to it. 'Once connected to the fake base station, scammers operating these bogus transmission stations can send out SMSes that contain hyperlinks and other banned content. 'They can also craft the messages into whatever they want them to be,'' he explained. The expert noted that the MCMC is collaborating with telecommunications companies to combat these issues as part of their efforts to eliminate scamming platforms. To make matters worse, conmen were also spoofing the numbers of telecommunications account holders and using them to perpetrate scams by generating what is referred to as 'boomerang traffic'. 'International calls come in and connect to the telcos here through local numbers. 'To curb this, a repository must be created to ensure that when calls from local numbers come from overseas, the caller is indeed overseas and the calls are not coming from spoofed local numbers,' he added. He explained that when mobile phone users travel overseas, their numbers must go into the repository, as they would be expected to call home from wherever they are. 'But if the account holders are in Malaysia and not overseas, and if calls are being made from their numbers but originating from overseas, the repository should reject those calls,' he said, noting that he is aware the MCMC is also pushing for this aspect. He said the onus must also be on members of the public to be cautious and immediately delete SMSes that come with hyperlinks seeking personal information as well as with callback numbers. 'They are from scammers and not from any legitimate source,' he added.
Associated Press
2 days ago
- Business
- Associated Press
Sent Raises $3.55 million in Series Seed Funding to Transform A2P Business Messaging
Sent's unified messaging API enables businesses to reach customers on their preferred channel. New York, United States, May 27, 2025 -- Sent, the infrastructure layer powering cost-optimized, intelligent delivery for business messaging across SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage, RCS, and more, announced the closing of a $3.55 million Seed round led by Companyon Ventures, with participation from Bessemer Venture Partners, Urban Innovation Fund, and CP Overture, among others. Zachary W. Heath and Daniel P. DeConinck of Polsinelli PC represented Sent during the transaction, helping bring Sent's total capital raised over $4.22 million since its launch in 2024. Sent is redefining how businesses connect with their customers through a unified messaging API backbone. Legacy vendors force companies to stitch together multiple channel integrations — a costly and error-prone approach. Sent replaces that complexity with a single, reliable solution for everything from login codes and user authentication to appointment reminders and order confirmations. At the core of Sent's platform is a smart routing engine that evaluates deliverability, cost, and user behavior in real time. Whether a customer prefers WhatsApp in the evening or iMessage in the morning, Sent automatically selects the best channel, applies intelligent fallbacks, and ensures the message is delivered on the first try. Developers are freed from the complexity of managing channel-specific logic, so they can focus on building great experiences, not managing the complexity of channel specific logic and backend plumbing 'Developers need a unified API that optimizes delivery, compliance and cost across all channels,' said Andrew Berg, Investor at Companyon Ventures. 'Sent sets a new standard for reliable, efficient messaging at scale.' At roughly $72B, the global A2P messaging market has become mission-critical, yet constrained by fragmented infrastructure, rising AI-driven message volumes, and increasingly stringent privacy regulations. Companies are already spending heavily on transactional messaging, but too often on outdated tools that fail to optimize delivery, control costs, or ensure compliance. Sent's intelligent layer addresses these gaps, offering a modern, scalable alternative built for the next era of automated customer engagement. Founded in New York City by CEO Daniel Vataj, Sent will use its newly secured funding to accelerate product development and expand routing intelligence, customer success and go-to-market functions. The company also plans to triple its headcount by the end of 2025 to meet growing demand. About Sent, Inc. Sent is a business messaging API that seamlessly integrates SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage, RCS, and more. For media inquiries, Sent can be reached at [email protected] or +1 (302) 203-9592. About the company: Sent is the infrastructure layer powering cost-optimized, intelligent delivery for business messaging across SMS, WhatsApp, iMessage, RCS, and more. Founded in 2024 and headquartered in New York City, Sent replaces the tangle of single-channel integrations with one unified API and a real-time smart-routing engine that maximizes deliverability, ensures compliance, and lowers costs. Companies of any size can use Sent to send everything from login codes and two-factor authentication prompts to appointment reminders and order confirmations—without worrying about channel-specific logic or backend plumbing. Backed by Companyon Ventures, Bessemer Venture Partners, Urban Innovation Fund, CP Overture, and other leading investors, Sent has raised over $4.22 million to date and is scaling rapidly to meet global demand. To learn more, visit or email [email protected]. Contact Info: Name: Daniel Vataj Email: Send Email Organization: Sent, Inc. Address: 205 Hudson St, New York, NY, United States Phone: +19177799900 Website: Release ID: 89160911 If there are any deficiencies, problems, or concerns regarding the information presented in this press release that require attention or if you need assistance with a press release takedown, we encourage you to notify us without delay at [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our diligent team is committed to promptly addressing your concerns within 8 hours and taking necessary actions to rectify any identified issues or facilitate the removal process. Providing accurate and trustworthy information is of utmost importance.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Time of India
Cellcom outage continues as company warns customers to beware of scams
Representative Image Cellcom has warned its customers to be on the lookout for scams taking advantage of the ongoing outage, as the company continues to resolve it. Customers of this Wisconsin-based regional wireless have been facing an outage affecting voice and text services since last week. The company has reportedly assured its customers on its website that there is no indication that customer data has been compromised due to the service disruption. However, the Wisconsin-based company is strongly advising its user base to be cautious of potential scam attempts that may surface during this service interruption. In its latest update, Cellcom noted that full restoration of services may take additional time. According to a report by Wbay, Cellcom has highlighted that it will never contact customers via texts or phone calls requesting personal information. This includes login credentials, passwords, or credit card and banking details. The company has advised users to ignore any calls or texts requesting their personal account details, as they can be scams. Cellcom customers can still dial 911 in emergencies, while data, iMessage and internet services remain fully operational. What Cellcom said about the service outage In its statement shared on Facebook, Cellcom wrote: 'We want to be upfront with you — what we hoped would be a short-term issue is now looking like a longer recovery. Our teams and partners continue working around the clock on a complex technical issue affecting voice and SMS services. Data, mobile/landline internet, iMessage, and RCS are still working for most. Number porting is currently unavailable. In the meantime, some customers are using apps like WhatsApp or FaceTime to stay connected. We know how disruptive this is — and how unacceptable it feels. You rely on us, and we're not meeting that standard right now. We're truly sorry. Our teams are here to support you. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions, and continue following this page or visit for updates. Thank you for sticking with us. Your encouragement and feedback mean more than you know — and we won't stop until this is resolved.' AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Yahoo
Nine ways to cut the cost of hen or stag dos and still have a ball
Costs can spiral quickly when you're planning for a big group and there are lots of ideas flying around. Agree on a realistic budget from the start that works for everyone, and stay within it. Bridesmaids or the best man often lead, but if you are not organising the event, do not be afraid to speak up if something feels too expensive – others may well be thinking the same. 'Unfortunately, you're going to need to make the dreaded WhatsApp group,' says Georgie Mitchell, a wedding planner. 'Open communication from the start with upfront and real-time prices can help people to understand what they can afford.' If not all the group use WhatsApp find a way to make sure they are included. For your group, for example, email or an iMessage chat may be better. Loop in the bride or groom early too, as they will often be chipping in and will want to know that costs are not putting people off coming. Long weekends and trips abroad have become the norm but they usually come with a hefty price tag. Accommodation, transport, meals and drinks can add up to hundreds of pounds – and that is even before the novelty T-shirts come out. According to the insurer Aviva, the average hen or stag weekend now costs £779 a person in the UK, rising to £1,208 if it takes place abroad. Sticking to one night (or a single day) keeps things simpler, cheaper, and easier for people with children or limited time off work. You can also plan it for 'off-peak' times of the year to save money, Mitchell says. 'Does it need to be a weekend in summer? Can you avoid the school holidays? The event doesn't need to be within the few months before the wedding – find the most cost-effective dates for everyone,' she adds. Pints in Prague may be relatively cheap, but getting there – and staying there – may not be. A night out in Brighton, a hike in the Peaks or a well-planned day locally can be just as memorable. You'll skip the airport slog and still get a change of scene if you are trying something new. Hosting at home is another option if someone in the group has enough space. You'll save on venue costs, which means you can put more into decorations, games or food and still have a great night without the big spend. 'What you save on accommodation can be reallocated to beautiful florals or delicious catering,' says Matilda Bea, a dinner-party planner. If you are staying overnight, renting a large house or flat geared towards hen and stag groups can be far cheaper than hotel rooms, especially once the cost is split between everyone. It also gives you more space to hang out without having to fork out for endless rounds at bars. When booking for a big group, check the listing for restrictions on stag or hen dos – some hosts will not allow them. Always message ahead to confirm, or use filters to avoid disappointment. For guaranteed party-friendly options in the UK, take a look at listing sites such as Group Stays, Flock or Party Houses. You will save more by cooking a few meals and bringing your own drinks. Think brunch ingredients, big pasta dishes or even just breakfast basics – it doesn't have to be fancy to make a dent in costs. Agree upfront whether you will split food and drink or ask people to bring their own so no one ends up paying for something they didn't want. Keep in mind that you can often save by buying in bulk. For instance, Sainsbury's Nectar holders can get up to 25% off six or more bottles of selected wines. If anyone in your party has a Costco membership, it is worth checking out what deals they have on alcohol and food. Pick somewhere easy to reach by public transport and consider how people will get home safely – especially for a one-day event. Booking taxis in advance or carpooling can help keep costs down and avoid chaos after a few drinks. It is worth thinking about for outings to the pub or dinner, too. If the bride or groom is set on going overseas, try to book flights or trains as early as possible to get the cheaper tickets. But make sure to factor in the cost of getting to the airport or station, especially if it's at an odd time or far from home. Being flexible helps – Skyscanner's 'Everywhere' search or savings generator lets you compare the cheapest places to fly on your dates. For UK stays, booking train tickets far in advance does not always guarantee savings. The cheapest advance fares typically appear on Trainline about 12 weeks before travel. They sell out quickly so set a reminder or sign up for an alert. Rather than booking train tickets separately, one person could sort them all out so you can benefit from special offers. GroupSave fares are for three to nine people travelling together on off-peak or super off-peak journeys and can cut travel costs by a third. For example, a trip to Brighton from London for a weekend in mid-June costs £130.50 for three adults – or £96.54 with GroupSave. You do not need spa days or axe throwing to have a good time. Plenty of free or cheap options – such as park picnics, karaoke, home spa nights or pub quizzes – can be just as fun. The website Hitched has a section on ideas for stag and hen dos you can use for inspiration. Many classic hen or stag games are easy to make yourself – the toilet paper wedding dress game needs nothing more than a few loo rolls, and DIY beer pong just takes some plastic cups, a table and a couple of ping pong balls. While it is tempting to pack every hour with plans: brunch, games, a scavenger hunt, dinner, drinks, dancing, more does not always mean better. Giving the group some breathing room lets people have some downtime without feeling as if they're wasting money. If you are staying overnight, plan one or two core activities and leave the rest flexible. A bit of relaxation time often makes the main event more enjoyable. If you have picked a theme, make decorations that stick to it, but remember they can be simple: old CDs make great disco props, cardboard cacti work for a cowboy night, and colourful card can be used to make a personalised banner. Bea says personalised touches can help a night feel special, while being easy on the wallet. 'Make your space feel special with hand-painted stationery, like 'Take a shot, take a seat' signs or personalised place names. It's budget-friendly, thoughtful, and instantly sets the tone'. For her own birthday dinner, Bea put the idea into action with personalised gift bags for guests and handmade menus. Not everyone wants the matching T-shirt, the massage, or the cocktail-making session. Mitchell recommends building flexibility into your plans so people can join for part of the day or skip bits without feeling awkward. She says: 'Can some guests join for one day? Can they opt out of the expensive activity? Giving options helps match everyone's budget.' You can make this clear early on with a rough breakdown of what's essential and what's optional. That way, people on tighter budgets can still join in without being hit by a £200 all-in-one invoice. A quick poll in the group chat helps work out who is in for which parts – and keeps things fair from the start. Streamline the planning – and cut the cost – by hosting a joint stag and hen do (yes, a 'sten do'). It is a break from tradition, but if the couple are keen, a 'sten' makes financial sense: accommodation, food and drink can all be shared, and bigger groups often unlock better discounts, says Bea. 'You don't have to spend the entire time together, but combining forces for one big night – especially if you're heading abroad or booking a special experience – can cut costs while doubling the fun.' If, for example, you and your partner would otherwise be going to separate events, you might cut costs by sharing a room. It also gives the wedding party a chance to meet before the big day. You do not have to do everything together. Separate nights out or activities work fine, but sharing a base could keep things simple and cheaper.
Forbes
17-05-2025
- Forbes
Apple's iPhone Update—Why You Need To Change Your Messaging App
All change for iMessage NurPhoto via Getty Images It was all going so well — to an extent. Messaging between iPhones and Androids is about to get a game-changing update that could be the biggest threat to WhatsApp in a decade. It could end the huge security gap that saw the FBI warn users to stop texting. It could finally kill off SMS. But it has all started to go wrong. That FBI warning followed Chinese hackers marauding through U.S. networks, highlighting (yet again) the painful lack of full encryption between iPhone And Android messaging when using iMessage and Google Messages. That stock messaging has now upgraded to RCS, and when mobile standards setter GSMA adds end-to-end encryption to its standard RCS protocol, that same messaging will finally be fully secured. That upgrade will be an Apple/Google competitor to WhatsApp. When communicating within iMessage or Google Messages, content is fully secured. It's only cross-platform that security falls away. Fully encrypting RCS fixes that. And with perfect timing, the controversial decision to force Meta AI on WhatsApp users should have been a gift to Apple, Google and the telco networks operating RCS. Should have been. But with equally perfect timing, the two major problems with RCS are now making headlines, reminding billions of users why using over-the-top platforms like WhatsApp is so compelling. One is security related, the other is just Google being Google. On the security front, as I warned this week, RCS is now being used by China's organized criminal gangs, who favor this over SMS given its rich format and better engagement. Resecurity warns new attacks on a 'massive scale' can send 2 million texts daily, 'enough to target every person in the US at least twice every year.' 'Cybercriminals prefer modern messaging platforms because they provide a richer set of tools for creating convincing attacks, better engagement features, and more sophisticated methods of deception.' Exactly the same benefits attracting users. And those same benefits also bring the second threat to RCS — marketing. Per Phone Arena, 'Google RCS Business Messaging gets flashy, but is this what we wanted? As rich media ads arrive through Google Messages, concerns about spam and consent grow.' Change your app or change your settings @UKZak / Apple iOS 18 While Android Police warns 'RCS ad spam worsens across all platforms and could be here to stay… Unwanted RCS advertisements remain rampant to this day. Now that iOS users have been invited to the spamfest, nobody has to feel left out.' The new warnings have been triggered by the partnership between Clerk Chat, Google and the U.S. networks. This will be 'the first simultaneous multi-carrier RCS deployment in North America [to] transform traditional transactional, SMS announcements into an interactive, AI-powered conversation [with] consumers.' But what starts in the U.S. will shape what's done everywhere else. It's all about engagement again. 'Internal testing shows that RCS messaging delivers significantly higher engagement rates than traditional SMS… The solution leverages Apple's recent adoption of the RCS protocol and Google's verified business messaging platform, creating a seamless experience for both Android and iOS users.' 'Even as Google delivers various add-on features to reduce spam,' Android Police says, 'there's one thing it's not telling you. The mobile industry explicitly pushes RCS as a way to regain control over the business-to-consumer engagement pipeline and greatly streamline automated marketing messaging. It's not even really a secret, so don't expect it to go away anytime soon. And expect AI to be closely intertwined.' Google has now brought an unsubscribe button to Android for RCS business messages — one business at a time, of course, and anti-fraud defenses to flag RCS scams within its Messages app. But in a world where 3 billion users turn to WhatsApp each month, there's an easier option for users wanting a less marketing heavy experience. For Apple users, that RCS upgrade is turning out to be much less fun than expected. So, what can you do. You can change iMessage to an over-the-top platform to escape RCS marketing. If you don't want to move away from iMessage, you can change your settings to disable RCS or RCS Business Messages. Do this in Settings—Apps—Messages—RCS Messaging. This isn't a catch all. As Android Authority warns iPhone users: 'You didn't ask for ads in your RCS chat app, but you're going to get them anyway.'
