This story was first published on November 22, 2004
A series of forwarded email messages have claimed that a destructive virus will infect your mobile (cell) phone if you receive a call that displays “ACE” or “XALAN” on the screen.
Variants of this hoax have been circulating since 1999. The information in the email is untrue and it was never confirmed by Motorola and Nokia as claimed.
If a virus had really destroyed the mobile phones of 3 million US users it would be a major news story around the world. However, there are no credible news or reports or security warnings about an attack like the one described.
Since I first published this report back in 2004, mobile phone malware has become an increasing threat. Users certainly need to remain vigilant with regard to this threat.
However, passing on the false information in this old hoax message will do nothing to help keep mobile phone users safe from malware attacks.
Any “virus warnings” received via a forwarded email should not be taken at face value. Always take the time to confirm the information at a reputable anti-virus website.
Examples of the hoax message:
Subject: FW: URGENT message for mobile phone users!!!
URGENT message for mobile phone users!!!Please be careful and mindful! All mobile users pay attention if you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays ( ACE ) on the screen don’t answer the call. END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY if you answer the call, your phone will be infected by a virus. This virus 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. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia. There are over 3 Million mobile phones being infected by this virus in USA now. you can also check this news in the CNN web site.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS.
All mobile users pay attention!!!!!!!!!
If you receive a phone call and your mobile phone displays(XALAN)on the screen don’t answer the call, END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY,if you answer the call,your phone will be infected by a virus. This virus 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. This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia. There are over 3 Million mobile phones being infected by this virus in all around the world now. You can also check this news in the CNN web site.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS PIECE OF INFORMATION TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS HAVING A MOBILE PHONE.
ATTENTION!!!
NOW THERE IS A VIRUS ON MOBILE PHONE SYSTEM. All mobile phone in DIGITAL system can be infected by this virus. If you receive a phone call and your phone display “UNAVAILABLE” on the screen (for most of digital mobile phones with a function to display in-coming call telephone number), DON’T ANSWER THE CALL. END THE CALL IMMEDIATELY!!! BECAUSE IF YOU ANSWER THE CALL, YOUR PHONE WILL BE INFECTED BY THIS VIRUS.
This virus will erase all IMIE 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.
This information has been confirmed by both Motorola and Nokia. Formore information, please visit Motorola or Nokia web sites: http://www.mot.com or http://www.nokia.com .
There are over 3 million mobile phone being infected by this virus in USA now. You can also check this news in CNN web
A related hoax:
