SMS Spam from The Daily Mail costing 25p

[Deleted User]

Just had a random text on my mobile from short code 83010 telling me to 'click here' to view this weeks gardening tips. The link was to http://gardentips.dailymail.co.uk.

This text took 25p off my credit balance as soon as it arrived on my phone. I've never ever in the past subscribed to text services like these.

How did they get my number and where did they get my permission from to send me these texts and charge me for them?

I replied STOP ALL to the number and that even cost me another 10p when my texts are usually free as part of my O2 top up bonus.

:mad:

dacouch

Surely spam texts from the Daily Mail should be defination be about Princess Diana or that Immigrants are about to cause the end of the world.

Perhaps imigrants who have the financial backing of the alleged spies who killed princess diana have hacked into the Daily Mails website and started sending these spams. If that is the case the Daily Mail was right all along and so were their readers....

fwor

I've received similar unsolicited texts before - I think the scammers just make numbers up to send them to, as a great way to make some free money. They don't need your permission, because the system does not have any mechanism in place to stop them without it.

The place to raise a complaint is what used to be called ICSTIS:

http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/

Having said that, my own experience of complaining is that they are useless. They dismissed my complaint as "a technical failure of the STOP command", even though I made it clear that I never used the STOP command (I contacted the sender directly). They seem to go out of their way to conclude that the reason for the problem is technical, when in truth it is fraud.

Fortunately, some mobile operators will now let you bar (unsolicited) premium rate reverse charged SMS spam, though they all have the option turned off by default. Most mobile operators also give the option a weird name so that most people won't have a clue what it does (they want everyone to leave it unbarred, as they like the revenue).

Sharon87

Is this called a 'push' message? I've just checked my phone and there was an option called 'Push' and it allowed all senders, so I've turned it off.

On the Sony Ericsson phones go to 'Messages' then 'Settings' then 'Push'. If this isn't it then ignore that.

[Deleted User]

It wasn't a Push message, just a standard text. I too have always had Push turned off.

MrBloke

This is indeed a scam, they have in effect stolen 25p (in my case) from mine (and presumably everyone elses) account who they sent the message to. Its hard to prove if like me you are on PAYG, but it is possible. Here is what I have done so far.

The number is owned by Dialogue Communications
0871 7002211
[EMAIL="support@dialogue.co.uk"]support@dialogue.co.uk[/EMAIL]
http://www.dialogue.co.uk

Tried calling them on 0800 Reverse to their normal number (saynoto0870), but its blocked from calling them, however Email them to complain, or fill in the form on their website (so it doesnt cost you to ring the dreaded 0871 number), point out that they have taken money from your account without your authorisation, and that it is theft.

They are taking this fairly seriously, as they do accept it should not have happened.

I got a call back after about 30 minutes from them saying they were investigating, and got them to confirm this in writing by email

Quote
"Dear Mr *****,

Further to our conversation, please be assured that this issue is under investigation. We will get back to you with respect to your requested refund at its conclusion.

with kind regards

Gary Swann
Dialogue Support
Dialogue Communications Ltd"

Also, now the important part. Ring phonepayplus (premium phone and sms regulator, part of ofcom) on 0800 500 212 (freephone) see
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/consumers/complain/default.asp
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/mobile/subscriptions/?itemid=285865 (at time of writing, ofcom site is down for maintenance, so link may change)

They are INCREDIBLY helpful, I spoke to a very nice chap, and it seems they take this VERY VERY seriously, as he took lots of details (number, time of call, asked me to confirmed I could not possibly have accidentally subscribed, gave me all the above details). Explained all the things I must to, number to call etc (see above) confirmation of who owned 83010 etc

However this is the important bit, WE ALL MUST LOG A COMPLAINT with phonepayplus! They will not take action against Dialogue unless they receive enough complaints.

Now the fun part is getting your money back. I have actually managed to get a refund from 3UK, took me nearly an hour of polite arguing (do not shout, be firm in your response, keep asking to have the issue escalated etc). It seems with 3 at least, they will not hang up on you, so you can keep them talking for as long as possible.

I also made requests that it be made impossible for unauthorised charges to be taken from my accout, however they are adamant it is not possible, and that also you do not get the same sort of guarantee as Direct Debit. So I think there may be another form of campaign required there, as in effect, everyone of us is open to money being taken from out accounts, without any authorisation, and we have to go and fight to get it back from the thief, even though its the operator who gave away our money!!!!

The long and shot of it is you MUST COMPLAIN, do not let companies get away with this. I think it may well have been a mistake they sent it out, however their mistake caused me financial loss (however small), plus over 90 minutes in phone calls to Dialogue, Ofcom and Three UK.

If you are on 3, and get to customer support, the highest escalation is "Mrs Donalyn Santiago", she eventually authorised a 50p credit (wow), to cover the 25p charge, and to allow me to send "STOP" to 83010 as well.

How Dialogue plan to provide compensation is not yet clear. However we should not let them get away with mine and everyone elses 25p's as this could be a multi million pound scam by someone.

uksal

Hi there,
Please will anyone who is affected by this sort of scam, write to your MP and sign my petition on precisely this problem. Nt one of the companies involved in these scams will currently take any responsibility for taking your money without your agreement.

Charges to Mobiles need regulation, currently you will only get your money back only by being persistent.
Mobiles are being viewed as the new way not to have to carry cash, but I would rather be mugged (metaphorically - as I really would NOT Like to be mugged) for the £10 in my pocket, rather than mugged via mobile phone for possibly hundreds of £'s

http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/Paymentbymobile/