Despite the fact that laws all across the European Union (EU) prohibit unsolicited marketing through text messages, the problem is apparently growing; with the most recent incident being the bogus text messages which inundated thousands of mobile handsets, on all leading networks, in Ireland.

According to The Irish Times, citing the information shared by people who had received the bogus text messages on their phones, the messages had been sent over Christmas from US geographical telephone numbers; and claimed that the recipients had won unreal Apple devices, including the iPhone and the iPad.

The bogus text messages, which have been targeting thousands of Irish mobile handset users since Christmas Eve, seemingly have multiple variants. One of the versions open with a `Merry Holidays' wish to the recipients, and further reads thus: "You have been by chance chosen to redeem a [sic] Apple iPad 3."

The recipients are then asked to a website where they are required to enter a code. After the code is entered, the recipients are informed that they have won a prize, but are redirected to the ziinga. com auction site.

Although there is thus far no indication that the bogus messages contain any malicious software or attempt to filch the sensitive personal details of Irish mobile phone users, it is evident that they violate the EU-wide data protection legislation.