@Lloyd wrote:
Hi has anyone else been sent an unsolicited text from Jammitup? I've been charged £4.50 for it! And it'll cost £1.50 to send STOP. I've been robbed.
Jammitup is a name which crops up fairly frequently in relation to Payforit scams. It uses shared shortcode 83463 which is common to a large number of these scams. It is operated by a company called
Abacus Synergy
Abacus Synergy Ltd.
27 Old Gloucester Street
London
WC1N 3AX
United Kingdom
Interestingly though, Companies House shows this company as having been dissolved on 15th May 2018?
You could try calling them on 0330 053 5838, to make sure that the charges are stopped and that you obtain a FULL refund. As they are UK based, you can threaten them with the Small Claims procedure which will add signifiantly to their costs if they are stupid enough not to refund.
You need to be aware that O2 leak your phone number to third parties when you access the internet using mobile data, and this is probably how your number was acquired in order to make these charges. The system which does this is called 'Payforit'.
These companies use vulnerabilities of the 'Payforit' system to obtain consumers numbers and sign them up to bogus subscriptions. Simply closing an innocent looking popup can pass your number to these scammers.
O2 appear to have a policy of not helping members affected by these scams, so you will have to take action yourself to stop the charges and obtain a refund.
'Payforit' charges are applied directly to your account by a 'third party' which has acquired your phone number. O2 make no check that you have consented to these charges. You can ask O2 to place a ‘charge to bill’ bar on your account, which will protect you from further ‘Payforit’ scams. However, be aware that his is a blunt instrument and will also stop other third party charges such as donating to charity and voting in TV competitions.
Comprehensive and independent information and advice on dealing with these scams is on the payforitsucks website. This website provides constructive advice about forcing the scammers to refund. Specialist and legal support is also available through the site if you encounter difficulties. Google "payforitsucks" or follow the link to the faq in my signature. The website contains detailed advice on the steps you need to take to stop further charges, obtain a refund and protect yourself from these scams in the future.
If you are unhappy about O2 leaking your phone number to dubious third parties, you may wish to make a complaint under GDPR. Information about doing this, together with a template letter are on the payforitsucks website.
I hope you manage to resolve this matter. These scams are a disgrace to the mobile communications industry and O2 should be doing more to assist affected customers and to protect them from these scams.
