85118 Help I've Billed Over £150 For Text Messages

shezz1969

Help. I've just been told by 02 that the reason by mobile is so high is because I've been recieving texts from this Krishmut.I have no idea what it is only that I clicked on something when using facebook then couldn't get it off screen. I was ignoring these texts which were always the same 'krushmut. get your content and more info at www.krusmut.co.uk'thinking that if I replied it would cost me.Over £150 pound has come off my account nov,dec,jan in messages. How do I get it back anyone? I'd greatly appreciate any advice http://images.moneysavingexpert.com/images/forum_images/smilies/angry -smiley-030.gif

James240

think you need to be over on the Telephone Board perhaps to get some better advice on this

Hopefully Mods will move this thread soon

mbftw

spammage!!

desdemona1

The same thing happened to my son via quiz that he did on facebook. As he has a pay as you go phone they were only able to get £40 (all his credit). I phoned Orange who told me to text STOP to 85118 to stop the so called service from krushmut. However they sent 3 more texts, so I ended up having to change my sons tel number. Orange did give him £10 free credit as a good will gesture. I have also registered a complaint with payphoneplusorg They are the body who regulate premium numbers, sms etc. If they uphold your complaint they will order the company to refund. Complaints are also lists on their sights, so it helps warn others. I would try registering a complaint - you could be lucky. If nothing else it exposes these scammers for what they are.

desdemona1

Just to update on this..I have received a letter today from PhonepayPlus to say that my complaint (and others) has been investigated and that the company was in breach of the code of practice. The following sanctions were imposed:
A formal reprimand
£90,000 fine
Bar on Krushmut Fun Facts Alert
All claims for refunds to be paid for the full amount

I need to send a copy of my letter from PhonepayPlus to Krushmut - whether they will actually refund, who knows - we'll see. But very satisfying that they have been fined etc.

Anyone else who has been scammed by this company look on the phonepayplus website and lodge a complaint then you should be able to claim a refund

joax16

I too received a letter from Phonepay Plus, I am now exchanging emails with "Bullroarer" However despite suppling them with a letter from PPP re the breach of code, £90k fine etc. They are refusing to refund the cost of the unsolicited texts. I have quoted their email below... just a load of waffle really. Does anyone of an idea of what to do next, I have already threatened them with small claims court ?

We are providing you with the following information to help with your enquiry.

The charge that has been added to your phone bill or the messages that you are receiving to your phone are premium SMS content services.

The subscription to Mobizoids was initiated on the 23rd of March 2009. This was done via the internet. The subscriber entered their mobile number on the internet – a confirmation message was sent to their handset as an SMS The customer must enter a code to activate the plan and must reply “agree” to receive the content.


These services are advertised on the internet and are certified to comply with your Carrier's regulations regarding pricing visibility and Terms & Conditions.

The service may be cancelled at any time by:
> Replying STOP to any SMS message you have received from our service number.
> Calling our customer support number
> Sending an email to [EMAIL="info@krushmut.cg.uk"]info@krushmut.cg.uk[/EMAIL]

There is no contract preventing the customer from stopping the service at will. The charges will recur every week/month unless the customer stops the service using one the methods above. Each recurring billing message states clearly the charges and how to opt out from the service.

For a charge to be applied to your phone bill a request MUST have been made by someone in possession of your cell phone. The above services are requested by either entering your mobile/cell number on an internet site, or by sending a message to an advertised premium SMS number. An SMS message is then sent to your phone requiring you to reply. Alternatively you may be issued with a PIN that you have to type in to a website. Those checks are done in order to verify that person subscribing is in possession of the cell phone. On no account do we subscribe or bill a customer unless those checks have been done.

If you do not remember ever subscribing to this service, please ensure that somebody else has not used your cell phone to subscribe.

If you are the account owner and are providing the cell phone to a minor, please ensure they are using the handset within your guidelines regarding the use of Premium SMS. Your Carrier can disable Premium SMS services if you do not want them to be available to your cell phone.

Your Subscription to Krushmut UK was cancelled last 30th of March 2009. No further charges and messages apply.


Yours sincerely,

Customer Mobile Support

macman

These firms just go into liquidation when they get fined, and start up the next day under another name. Unless they're making so much money they can afford to laugh at at £90K fine...

CLLC

mbftw wrote: »

spammage!!

So fast to claim it's spam ...........

More info on this can be found here : http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2009/06/fine-for-premium-rate-facebook.html

joax16

Having been through small claims with Mobile Outlet ...and received nothing ! I am hesitant to go down the same route with this company but really reluctant to let them get away with it