Possible Children in Need text scam?

markbloke

Daughter just texted me to ask if she should respond to a text message with the word "CHILD" to donate £2.50 to "Children in Need". I told her to ignore it as a possible scam. She didn't give me the number it was texting to and she's in class now.
Looking online I can't see reference to such a campaign so this is just a heads-up to beware. I am aware of official ways to donate £5 with the word "DONATE" to 70705 or to 70710 to donate £10 which are legitimate.

ShaneUK

Just had one of these myself.

Actual wording of the text is

88188 wrote:

Free Msg: Support BBC Children in Need appeal for £2.50 with a message to your callers! Cost will be donated to the appeal. Simply reply CHILD to this message

The message comes from 88188


So I think you are "buying" something called a RingTag in effect, but 100% of the cost is being donated to charity.

Delete message, move on! (I don't trust it!)

markbloke

ShaneUK wrote: »

Just had one of these myself.

Actual wording of the text is


The message comes from 88188


So I think you are "buying" something called a RingTag in effect, but 100% of the cost is being donated to charity.

Delete message, move on! (I don't trust it!)

Thanks for that, yes apparently it's Orange Ringtagz.

"Ringtagz are music, comedy, fun sounds plus much more that your callers hear when they call you, instead of the 'ring ring' they usually hear when waiting for you to answer. "

So, if you want callers to think you're an irritating plonker before they've even spoken to you that's the way to do it.
It won't be long before you're forced to listen to adverts when you ring someone.... oh I've said it now.... :mad:

Deano408

I had one of those too!!! Does anybody know if the money actually does go to CIN?? I thought it was CIN and did the initial text but none of the follow up so none of my friends will hear crap when they ring me!!