Premium Text Messages Scam

Berisford

Some low down scum bags have cleaned out my PAYG credit with a selection of £1.50 texts.

I rather naively put my mobile number in a Autotrader ad last week and that's when the trouble started. I haven't 'opted in' or ever used one of these short code services before. The first few I received last week I ignored, as I've always done with this sort of spam but these kept coming thick and fast.

After looked around on the web I tried the 'STOP' and 'STOP ALL' routine but it just generates another £1.50 reply claiming that the word is not recognised. Gits.

I know there is some organisation that looks into complaints about premium number abuse but I don't know as I can be bothered with all the hassle that involves to get my £25 back.

I haven't had anything this a.m. but that's because my credit is used up, I'm sure if I top-up they'll start again. I've had that number for ages and now, because of some gits and an industry that appears to secretly approve of these scams I've got all the inconvenience of setting up a new number/account.

Looking around on the web it seems this type of scam has been running for a long time, affecting lots of people. It's an absolute scandal that scum bags can just take money from us openly like this with the mobile industry doing nothing but putting their heads in the sand!

gjchester

Complain to PhonePayPlus http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk and your provider. If it's a UK service they can help.

PPP has a check the number bit where you can enter the number and find out who owns it.

DO NOT delete the messages that STOP/STOP ALL are not working, they will likely be interested in that.

Berisford

Thanks GJ, I've been to the PPP site and the number (80160) that has scammed me is well known!

It's a protracted procedure to report these messages with a full transcript of all messages seemingly being required.

Being as I can't use this number for the time being I've no choice but to abandon it and get a new SIM.

I know it is wrong that I'm walking away without using the service provided for this problem but, seeing as these bad guys have been at it for a good while and nothing has been done, I can't see my complaint shutting 'em down anytime soon.

Further it appears that (reading other tales of woe on the web) the bad guys will insist that I 'opted in' and it will be my word against theirs! I think the mobile networks seem to give them the benefit of the doubt seeing as the networks get a substantial cut of the proceeds. This entire scam rides on the back of network Short Code Text money making numbers such as voting on X Factor and the likes.

Truly an absolute scandal.

eagleeye

i had similar problem in past but got paid by the premimum text company.ask your network for their details and if their number is 087 then write a recorded delivery letter to them with all the details.Also complain to the watchdog (network should tell you about this.)

gjchester

Berisford wrote: »

Further it appears that (reading other tales of woe on the web) the bad guys will insist that I 'opted in' and it will be my word against theirs!

You or PPP should be able to get a transaction log out or your provider to see if you opted in or not.

Details the messages you recieved and when and contact mBlox they should be able to opt you out and refund you. if not take it to PPP and progress it from there.

Good luck