Mobile phone text services/downloads

MA

I've had a search, so apologies if this has been covered before.

After a long running discussion with my service provider (no need to mention names as it applies across all networks) I've managed to resolve a situation that resulted in mobile bills running at 350+VAT for the last couple of months.

The issue is about downloading games/ring tones/wallpaper etc onto your mobile. Be warned, with many (the majority to quote my SP) of these downloads, you are not only downloading the one tune or game or whatever. You are actually SUBSCRIBING TO A SERVICE. This enables whoever you have downloaded from to continue to send you texts (at approx £1.30+VAT per text to receive). Also your number then goes on a database which can then be accessed from other areas of that same company to send you texts on their services - again which you pay for. To put this into context say you receive 5 texts a day for a month - this equates to you getting a bill of £195+VAT just to receive text messages.

With the experience I have had it is very difficult to get these stopped without going through your service provider. Even though the texts are meant to include a number that you can text to cancel, it would appear from my experience that once you have "subscribed" to the service, they do not include a cancellation number.

My objective with passing this on is for every individual to be more aware, but particularly for parents who pay their kids mobile bills - who are repeatedly targeted for ringtones, wallpaper etc.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED

System

Same problem here with son's mobile-luckily a Pay as you Go(still not good for him to loose valuable pocket money)-I know it is in the small(very small) print, but can't this be stopped?? (It seems these expensive/annoying texts re-appear after a period of inactivity )??? Although a hassle, it seems like it might be easier to pay & change mobile number than keep on paying for these texts. Anyone got the official answer please?????

Loopytush

If you are ordering such a game or ringtone from any 3rd party (not your service provider) there a few key points to make.

1. Check the small print and if no mention of suscription keep a copy of the AD.

2. If you recieve such messages keep a copy of them.

3. Phone your service provider and they can at least tell you a contact number for the company.

4. Call the company and state that unless they stop and refund you for any such text you will send a copy of the ad and the saved text to ICSTIS.

The add must state clearly the subscription and each and every text should tell you how to unsubscribe or give you a site where you can find this information.

If they refund you still go to ICSTIS because the next man will just take it on the chin or get fobbed off.

MA

Update: Well I've been away for 3 weeks now and my airtime provider is only today going to lift the incoming text bar on my phone. From talking to the person who's dealing with it, these companies just do not respond. My airtime provider has telephoned, faxed, emailed and written and it is only today that it has been a week without one of these texts coming through.

One piece of advice that they gave me - although I don't know if it only applies to contract phones, is to speak to the airtime provider and using the "Content Management" you can stop access to these services and premium telephone numbers from the phone. Also, as soon as you get a text - contact the airtime provider and then they can put an incoming text ban on until it is resolved. Hope this helps