TOKYO, JAPAN, June 13, 2001 ---NTT DoCoMo, Inc. (NTT DoCoMo) announced today that it will inform i-mode users about malicious e-mails that use special commands to make the recipient's handset automatically dial an emergency number, such as "110," or make calls to large numbers of people, or freeze the screen of their mobile phone.

Although customers have not yet complained to NTT DoCoMo about any damage caused such malicious e-mails, the company is considering legal action against the senders due to inconveniences caused to its customers and harm to the popularity of mobile Internet.

NTT DoCoMo is advising i-mode users to take following measures to avoid problems with malicious e-mails:

1. Do not open e-mails from unknown senders.
2. If the mobile phone starts to dial a third party automatically, push the "Stop (power)" button.
3. If the mobile phone starts to send e-mails to third parties automatically, push the "Clear" button.
4. If the mobile phone's screen freezes, remove the battery, reinsert it, and then restart the handset.

The company will provide this information via its NTT DoCoMo website and i-mode portal, as well as literature enclosed with monthly bills. Consultation will be available at NTT DoCoMo branch offices and affiliated retail shops called "DoCoMo Shop".

New handsets to be marketed from this July will not be affected by the commands embedded in the malicious e-mails. Handsets sold since last December incorporate software that defeats the commands used in previous generations of malicious e-mails.