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Mobile phone virus: ACE is a hoax

Old 'joke' virus warning rears its ugly head...

By Graham Hayday on 14 August 2002 12:35

NEWS A mobile phone virus hoax which first did the rounds a couple of months ago has resurfaced, if the silicon.com email postbag is anything to go by. The virus warning appears to come from Essex Police, and reads along these lines: "Mobile phone virus alert, if you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays ACE-? on the screen. DON'T ANSWER THIS CALL - END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY. "If you answer the call your phone will be infected by a virus which will erase all IMEI and IMSI information from both your phone and your SIM card, which will make your phone unable to connect with the telephone network. You will have to buy a new phone." The message goes on to say that Motorola and Nokia have confirmed the existence of the virus and that over three million phones have been infected in the US. Several concerned silicon.com readers have got in touch in the last 24 hours, which suggests the email is circulating once again. But the ACE virus is a hoax. It was given some credence by Essex Police who did indeed issue the above warning, but following further investigation quickly released another statement correcting the earlier message. A spokesman for Essex Police confirmed these details yesterday, and added: "It's funny how bad news travels much faster than good news..." So let your friends know there's nothing to worry about.

Comments

There are 6 comments. Join the discussion

  1. 1. anonymous

    Thank you for your help! It is nice to be able to find correct and proper information about hoaxes! Thanks again.

    • 5 November 2003 12:48
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  2. 2. anonymous

    A class-mate send an e-mail to me, with the message of the virus. I searched in the i-net, because I don't believe such stupid messages. It was also said, that you could read more about that on cnn.com. With a link on cnn.com->search I get to your site.
    I have informed my class-mate, that is is a joke, and i don't find that very funny. Bye

    • 13 November 2003 18:44
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  3. 3. anonymous

    It is nice to know there are some truthful websites out there you are one of them !!!

    • 2 December 2003 15:38
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  4. 4. anonymous

    Recently the virus has come up with the exact German translation. Thank you for you helpful information.

    • 18 December 2003 08:17
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  5. 5. BreeZe

    This "virus" came to Russia. The same letter is translated to our language.

    • 29 March 2004 14:28
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  6. 6. anonymous

    A friend just received this email from someone they know in England. Im assuming they didnt do any research into whether or not it was a hoax. Its amazing to me how many people are so ready to believe whatever pops into their email boxes.

    DUE DILIGENCE PEOPLE!! ;)

    • 8 July 2004 00:42
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