Hacking through text messaging?

[OwnerJFA]

Hi.
I think I reacted stupidly to something that happened to me on Saturday. I haven't found any real reference to this, so I'm coming here to make sure I'm not missing anything.

As I was driving to see my son, I received a text message from someone I didn't know. Now my girlfriend just got a new phone, so I thought it might be her. It said "Hi.", so I responded with "Hi" then I got another text that said simply "Test". Suddenly, my phone became unusable. It wouldn't stay on a screen, it wouldn't respond to my touches and random buttons would be clicked (but not activate).

I rebooted the phone and it was fine for a bit. So (here's the stupid part) I bought and downloaded an anti-virus software package and ran it. The result was "one suspected program found". As soon as it was done, my phone acted up the same way again as before. I rebooted again, and went directly to the new text message and completely deleted them all.

As soon as I did that, the strange behavior stopped. I went to my desktop and changed all my passwords at that point. A few minutes after changing them I got another text message from the same people saying "Are you with the girls?" I deleted it right then and there without accessing it.

My phone has been normal ever since, and I don't see any unusual charges or anything from my Google accounts, but one can't be too sure.

Has anyone ever heard of this and are there further measures I should take? I don't trust my phone right now.

Thanks for your attention.

 

[PvilleComp]

Report the Text messages to VZW - they can track them and check them out. Also while you are on the phone with them ask if there are any recurring test service charges on your bill. Text scams usually involve recurring "services" that are billed to your VZW account.

Which AV was it that you bought?

 

[akronevan2]

Those sorts of text messages install hacking apps on your phone. If someone has sent something like this to you, they are looking for particular information from you. It may be from someone you have met or they have gotten your business card somehow. Be careful and mention it to your security dept. at your workplace.

 

[OwnerJFA]

I am worried about maybe some hidden apps installed on my phone through this. And, as Akronevan2 mentioned, I am worried about my workplace too, because our company uses the business version of Gmail.

The AV I bought was Aegislab AV Elite. I just scanned my phone again and it still says that it found no "suspicious packages", but I am wondering if there is something it's not detecting.

I will call VZW as soon as they open. Thanks for that suggestion. Dummy me didn't even think of it.

 

[PvilleComp]

I'm not familiar with that AV - you may want to download the free versions of Lookout and AVG just to scan and be safe. Definitely report it to VZW.

 

[OwnerJFA]

Lookout I haven't heard of yet. I'll try it. I have AVG the free version already.

I called VZW. They were clueless. They just reassured me that there is no way that they can send me any apps or control my phone through vtext.

So they were a help.... -.-

I'll be keeping a close eye on my bill though.

 

[Ennerit]

If you want to read sms of another smartphone, could you try Big Bug. It's a simple spyware. you can install on victim device

 

[LOGU7755]

My girl friend mobile was missing,that mobile using another person so msg and call log hack easily find him