(User has an 8100 on a BES linked to Exchange 2003)

I got copied in on this e-mail today (see below), my support company are saying it could ne an ISP issue but I don't see how texts can be sent from an e-mail account!

I am concerned that my phone has sent text messages to people directing them to a link on a dodgy website – it looks very legitimate like a harmless text message inviting them to view a photo online. Everyone obviously has lots of email type spam like this, but I am really concerned that this is now texting. Please note that the sent messages do not appear in my sent box and I am oblivious unless someone draws my attention to this.

I am concerned that I may have some kind of virus. Do the blackberry pearls come with any anti virus and firewall type protections? Has anyone else had this problem – what can be done? Can my phone be cleansed? Is this particularly likely to happen with blackberry’s than any other phones?

Anyone shed any light on this and would wiping the handset help?

P.S. First post so sorry if I've missed something out or posted in the wrong place

There are no viruses for BB that I have heard of. Check to see if the user has any third party apps installed and remove them and monitor the situation. Other than that I would say it's an ISP/carrier thing.

Most carriers have an E-mail address for every phone. For instance, Cingular was
yourmobile#here@mobile.mycingular.com

SPAMMERs would then write some code that contained every possible area code+prefix and randomly add the suffix. As the mail was sent out, Cingulars server would send a reply to the SPAMMER if an address was unavailable allowing SPAMMERs to create a sellable list of accurate SMS numbers (since they didn't get an unavailable reply) practically guaranteeing buyers that the message would be seen.

The messages did not come from a BlackBerry. Some spam server might have spoofed the address to come from you and sent them out.

Yes, your BB has a firewall. Look at the Options > Security area.