Weird fake SMS full screen notification?

Question

Weird fake SMS full screen notification?

I saw somebody (user:

Lalibertyd) had the same problem in 2017. I got this strange “SMS notification” that didn’t end up in my messages app and I usually only get banner notifications for SMSs. I got it while looking at Instagram stories (but all IG stories and ads have the name of the user at the top and a react/reply/swipe thing at the bottom, so this was not on someone’s story or an IG ad. I’m wondering if the “why did I receive this message” text is an iOS thing or an Instagram thing… I recognise the text and font and stuff like I’ve seen it on genuine notifications before but I can’t remember if it’s from Instagram or iOS or something else. I just took a screenshot and pressed dismiss. Confused

[Image Edited by Moderator to Remove Personal Information]

iPhone XS

Posted on Apr 20, 2022 4:16 AM

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Answer 1

KiltedTim

Level 10

233,246 points

Apr 21, 2022 8:08 AM in response to robynmckechnie

Actually, it is an SMS... it's a special kind of SMS message commonly called a 'flash SMS' message.

They are not legal except under limits circumstances in most countries.

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Answer 2

AnnieL2

Community Specialist

Apr 21, 2022 7:54 AM in response to robynmckechnie

Salutations robynmckechnie,

If you’re only encountering a message like this when using a third-party app, then it may have something to do with the app itself. Should it be an SMS message, which are delivered through your wireless carrier’s servers, we encourage you reach out to them for additional assistance with the blocking or reporting the sender.

Per Recognize and avoid phishing messages, phony support calls, and other scams

“To report a suspicious SMS text message that looks like it's supposed to be from Apple, take a screenshot of the message and email the screenshot to reportphishing@apple.com.“

Thanks.

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Answer 3

Apr 21, 2022 8:24 AM in response to KiltedTim

Ah that’s useful information. Makes me feel better then since it’s just someone sending an illegal text rather than some sort of virus on my phone. I can’t find any info on whether or not flash SMSs are legal in South Africa but supposedly we have “very robust regulations” so I’d expect it to be illegal

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Answer 4

Apr 21, 2022 8:06 AM in response to AnnieL2

Hi, as I said this was not an SMS it was a fake notification that popped up on my screen. Once again, the notification was not about a real SMS. I did not receive any message, just the notification. The fake SMS was not pretending to be from Apple. I only got this once so don’t know if it always happens in the Instagram app or if it could happen regardless. What I want to know is is it typical for iOS notifications to include “why am I seeing this message” at the bottom of the screen? I’ve seen it before but can’t recall if it was from an iOS notification or something else. Trying to see if they’re imitating iOS or not.

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Answer 5

Apr 21, 2022 8:14 AM in response to robynmckechnie

Hi robynmckechnie,

It is normal to see that message. You may want to also want to reach out to your carrier to block those unwanted SMS Messages as well.

Cheers!

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Weird fake SMS full screen notification?

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