Unsolicited Text Messages

alex99

BarryWalsh wrote: »

Does anyone recognise this company 700044077 that is 'unknown to Virgin Mobile' as I would like to get my money back for the unsolicited texts I've received. Thank you

This is a problem with both Virgin and T-Mobile. They sometimes use these 7000##### number to identify services instead of the real 09 number or short code. Ofcom have been aware of this problem for over a year and agreed (with me) over a year ago that this state of affairs was unacceptable. Unfortunately, Ofcom's concerns do not seem to be great enough for them to actually do something about this problem - though they did claim that they were considering several alternative proposals.

As you may be aware, Ofcom delegates its powers in respect of premium rate services to PhonepayPlus. Though they can normally help you to identify a service, they are unable to do so when one of these 7000##### numbers is used. Moreover, as you may also have discovered, PhonePayPlus are about as much use as a chocolate fire-guard when it comes to regulating premium rate services.

The only people who can identify the service in your case are Virgin - though, as you have found, customer services at Virgin are often unaware of these numbers. If you are persistent with Virgin, however, they will find out who it is scamming you.

Personally - if this happened to me again - I should not bother with the "service provider" (who will, in any case, simply redirect you to the "content provider). Virgin collect this money, Virgin choose to do business with these firms and take their cut from the money made - whether honestly or dishonestly. If you pursue Virgin, they will initially deny any responsibility; but, if you kick up enough of a stink, they will capitulate and reimburse you.

Good luck

Mike

stickywicket

Hi- I wrote in some months ago re short texts from 3 companies which together had cost me about £130. PhonePay Plus gave me the addresses of the companies. I wrote to them and asked for my money back enclsoing the bills etc. One replied with a checque for £25. I wrote back again enclosing all the phone bills and they finally sent the full amount wihich was over £70. But what a slog. I am just gathering the energy to contact again the other 2 companies. Did'nt he ombudsman say something recently about charging for our time spent writing letters etc?