Unsolicited Text Messages

superjaggybunnet

I recieved a text message which came through on my Nokia as a 'Service Message'.

It was only when I opened it and saw what it was that I realised I may be charged. About 2 minutes later I get a message from a young lady wanting to 'Chat'.

I have never signed up for any of this. How do they get away with it?

I called my provider and it was confirmed that I had been charged £1.50 and that there was nothing they could do about it. The advised me how to stop this particular instance but say there is no way they can bar my phone from receiving these type of messages.

Surely it is time there was Govt. legislation against this. It is theft - seemingly on a grand scale!

This would seem to be a good topic for Martin to cover on his TV Show.

Intasun32

joshua2004 wrote: »

Just to allay everybody's fears we have recognised an issue occuring with our clients opt-in data and a resultant batch of mobile numbers receiving messages for which they've not opted.

Hi Joshua2004,

Can you inform this forum how 'a resultant batch of mobile numbers receiving messages for which they've not opted' came about? I have never heard being scammed called that before.

There are too many complaints to be just an 'error'. From my own experience I became a victim from the PRS company purchasing a numbers list in breach of Ofcom/PP+ regulations, other have been victims from companies randomly generating numbers. Something that the PRS industry denies ever happens, yet it does.

What is the real reason that these mobile phone account holders have had money 'stolen' (no other word for it) by receiving unsolicited reverse bill texts for a service that they have not requested?

I'm sorry but 'a resultant batch of mobile numbers receiving messages for which they've not opted' just don't sound right.

forcandle

From Innov8 this morning:

After investigating this matter we have determined that due to an
import error with provided data, a small batch of numbers had to be
manually entered into the broadcast system. During this process a
typing error has occurred, leading to digits in another mobile number
becoming transposed.

We have removed your number from our broadcasts and will ensure this
instance is not repeated.

We would like to offer a £5 postal order as an apology.Please advise
an address of your choice for the refund to be sent.

Thank you for your understanding.

Innov8messaging




We'll see if it happens...........

jaipal2004

Good bit of investigating

We provide outsourced call handling for companies running SMS campaigns. We unfortunately have no control over content, services or regulatory issues. All we do is deal with queries and more often that not, irate customers!!

Technical problems do arise and on the flip side I have seen some companies we've worked with attempt to rip people off. I can go on record and say that in these instances I have been the first person to contact PPP and the powers that be and report any such matters.

Any queries, keep them coming!

Josh

jaipal2004

Just as an aside, it is important to note the difference between network provider, service provider and information provider - confusion will lead you to understand that JJ Trading were at fault whereas JJ Trading provided the send mechanism to another 3rd party information provider (who ultimately got fined! )

Tanla sold the shortcode number to Hot Chilli who in turn sold the shortcode number to JJ Trading who in turn has sold the number to Mr Hussein.

Cavey

Cavey wrote: »

More importantly, is there a method of opting out of being able to use reverse billed* messages? ie if a reverse charged message is sent to my number it just gets binned and I don't get charged?

I know networks support barring of calls to premium rate numbers, but do any of the networks support barring premium rate SMS services? Or even just imposing a parental control to stop access to the "adult" SMS services?

No-one replied to me, guess I am not loved

Anyway, I sent O2 a few questions. Their reply said....

Call barring to particular numbers is a phone specific feature and we're unable to restrict calls or text messages from particular numbers to your phone.

which wasn't what I asked about and already know how to do that, but anyway....

However, I've restricted international calls and premium rate services on your phone so that you cannot make international calls or subscribe to premium text messages by accident.

Soooo.... if I get premium text messages, I can't have signed up to them, and if my phone gets nicked they can't run up a £300 bill ringing Canada (see this thread for relevance). Sweet!

And they replied in.... 4 hours :T Good customer service! (Although I whinge over here)

Intasun32

Hi Cavey,

T-Mobile are the ONLY network that will bar both incoming and outgoing shortcodes, thus protecting it accounts from the PRS thieves that prey on us. A crime that PhonePay+ (AKA Icstis), ICO & Ofcom turn a blind eye.

On its inhouse 'eforum' Vodafone have promised an 'opt in' (as opposed to an 'opt out'!!!) to bar short codes from its accounts in the Summer of 2008, that is now. It gave the excuse that it needed a complete system upgrade to offer this service, many knowledgable people doubt this.

All other networks, o2, 3, and Orange refuse point blank to offer FULL protection for its account, leaving them in danger of having funds stolen.

So if you want a secure mobile phone account look at T-Mobile, and 'NO' I am not employed by the company.... :rotfl:

Cavey, I have just re-read your post, o2 have told you:

'However, I've restricted international calls and premium rate services on your phone so that you cannot make international calls or subscribe to premium text messages by accident.'

This will not stop the PRS thieves sending you unsolicited reverse bill texts, you are still at risk. I agree that you will have proof that you did not subscribe to any services but you will still have all the agro.

newmum2be04

Hi there
For the last few months I have been receiving text messages which are sexually related (I can assure you I have not signed up for any of these)
I recently moved from T-mobile (contract) to Virgin (Payg) and m still receiving these texts as well as texts from t-mobile which if I open goes through to the web which of course I pay for now so delete.
Anybody know of any way to get rid of these unwanted texts?
Thanks.

wantmemoney

newmum2be04 wrote:

For the last few months I have been receiving text messages which are sexually related (I can assure you I have not signed up for any of these)

i would seriously check to see if you are being billed for these messages.

if they are premium rate:
you are billed when the message is sent not when you receive it.
also you will be billed irrespective of whether you read or delete them

POSSETTE

could try replying with "STOP" that may work..