Unknown picture/video messages on usage report

[BigCat44]

On my latest usage statement I have unknown picture/video messages being sent and received on my device. Most come in blocks (3-4 at the same time). I have cross-referenced my known picture messages and these don’t lineup with the usage statement either. Can I get more details from Bell? Maybe a copy of the images being sent/received? 
Any clarification would be gratefully appreciated 

[BellKris]

Good morning, @BigCat44. Welcome to the Bell Community, and thank you for your post.

We'll be happy to address each of your concerns one by one.

Firstly, the time stamps may not be an exact match every time. This is most commonly seen with data usage, but usage records may not be updated in real time for a variety of reasons. 

If you're an iPhone user, you may also be sending messages in the "Subject" field. This would be perceived as a picture/video MMS message. To disable this option, you'll need to go into your Settings > Messages > and then disable ‘Show Subject Field’.

As for what details you're seeking, you'll need to clarify in regards to that. Please bear in mind that as the Bell Community is a peer-to-peer support channel, other users will not be able to provide insight as to account specific or billing inquiries.

And lastly, we do not provide records of any calls or messages, sent or received, to users.

Let us know if you have any further questions.

[The_Mason]

I was looking through the log of texts in the MyBell app and noticed several texts made from my number to 661-***-****. I never sent these texts and they aren't listed in my phone message app. I have unlimited texts, so I'm not getting dinged financially, but would sure like to know what is causing these texts and what information is being texted?

[WelshTerrier · Accepted solution]

The number in question is an active number. How many texts are you talking about & how often? Is there a pattern to them? Which apps are you using? Device?

This can be anything from a Facebook, Marketplace, Kijijji, contact etc. text to just about anything else that you belong to or reply to directly or indirectly. E.g. Messenger, etc.

It can also be Spam or Phishing texts. Phishing can come in the form of email, text messages - known as smishing, phone calls - known as vishing, or even gaming and social media platforms.

 If you receive a smishing text you should forward the text to 7726 (SPAM) then delete the text.

You can also block the the recipient / sender on you device. To do so, simply follow the instructions associated with your device manufacturer. E.g. Apple, Samsung. etc.

Take care.

[The_Mason]

I was checking my history in text messages and noticed a very strange entry. The number listed was 974006 and it looks to be a group text to 11 other numbers, some local others '976' which back in the day, was the area code for pricy sex-phone chatlines.

When I looked at the history for that number, of the 11, all '976' numbers left the conversation, but the remaining local '437' numbers are still active.  I checked my current billing and don't notice any international calls in my account. 

So my fellow community members....Scam? Very odd and complex group text I set up during an ill conceived drunk-dial?  Hacked?

[dks]

Let me reassure you. No, not texting while drunk (TWD) or hacking but more likely a porn/phishing text. Don't click on any link in the text. Delete the text. In addition, don't leave the text group. If you leave the text group you may indicate to the sender that this is a real, working phone number which can be spammed. Not a great idea. 

If your software allows it, you can report the number as spam and delete the text. The latest versions of Apple's iOS offer this option.