Oman Authorities Investigating Religious Text Message Scam

In Oman, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority is investigating a scam which some say is being carried out by mobile telephone companies exploiting religious sentiments of their subscribers. UAE's The National reported yesterday that automated religious text messages are being sent out to customers, concluding with: "Forward this message to 10 people to earn the rewards of afterlife." Other religious messages conclude more ominously: "If you do not forward this message then something bad will happen to you." Many Omanis, especially those in small towns, forward the messages as a religious act. In large quantities, these can be profitable for phone providers who charge a small fee for each text message sent. Omani telephone companies strongly deny they are responsible for the messages. The telecommunications business in Oman is highly competitive, with six companies vying for customers.