What are 'Service messages' ?

Solwaykid

Hi, can anybody tell me what service messages are?
I assumed they were from O2 (my network) and previously have been stuff like updates but I had a surprising one this evening suggesting I download something I'd rather not share on here. O2 customer services are having problems so no explanation forthcoming there.
These messages also seem to 'disappear' from my phone so they aren't like regular text messages.

Anybody cast any light for me before I give O2 what for?

Thanks in advance.

rickyc_3

Solwaykid wrote: »

Hi, can anybody tell me what service messages are?
I assumed they were from O2 (my network) and previously have been stuff like updates but I had a surprising one this evening suggesting I download something I'd rather not share on here. O2 customer services are having problems so no explanation forthcoming there.
These messages also seem to 'disappear' from my phone so they aren't like regular text messages.

Anybody cast any light for me before I give O2 what for?

Thanks in advance.

one possible way is to send a flash sms, although this cannot be done in the uk it can be done abroad. please advised this can be done even if the number looks like a uk one they can route sms abroad for it to be done!

Solwaykid

Thanks for replying rickyc, not entirely sure what a flash sms is but I'm guessing from the content it wasn't from O2. There's never any number, UK or otherwise, only 'Service Message'.

Maybe I'll never get to the bottom of it but I'd hate to think my 11 yr old nephew was getting downloads of Miss Lohan. Actually, he'd probably love it 'til his Mum found out!

Thanks again.

Road_Hog

I've never had a "service" message from O2. I have had plenty of "service" messages on my O2 phone (not on any of the others) and everytime they have been premium rate texts trying to get me to subscribe to some service.

I delete them without even reading them. I would suggest you do the same.

Solwaykid

Thanks Road_Hog,that clears it up some more.At least I know now it's not an O2 'service' :rotfl:

wantmemoney

are you being charged for them

http://www.icstis.org.uk/consumers/adjudications/default.asp?mode=1&serviceprovider=O2+Online&servicetype=&fine=0&submit=+search+
o2 have been previously involved in billing for unsolicited reverse billed text messages