The O2 guide to premium SMS numbers

[Martin-O2]

Hey everyone, 

O2 have created a series of video guides that cover some of the issues and questions faced by their customers. We're sharing these guides on the Community so you have a visual aid to point other members too if they need information on one of these subjects. 

The below video guide provides some great information about premium SMS numbers, which include things like charity donations, voting on reality TV shows and sports results. 

We'd love to hear your input on premium SMS and any suggestions you have for avoiding a surprise when your bill arrives! 

Check out also these other video guides from O2:

• O2 Guide to Network Issues
• Tips to make the most of your mobile data
• O2 Guide to Charge to Mobile

[Cleoriff]

Great info @Martin-O2 I wonder if it could be added to this guide https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/Have-you-fallen-for-or-been-conned-into-a-premium-rate-s...

as they do seem to go together?

[pgn]

Seconded! It should be added to the link @Cleoriff shared, great idea.

[Glory1]

I agree it fits perfectly with the guide in the link @Cleoriff has posted

[jonsie]

Yes no point in having to post two links....

[gmarkj]

I think the best thing o2 could do would be to advocate for a 2 stage process for signing up.
Having a single click sign you up for something that could cost upwards of £20 per month seems very worrying - I could potentially sign up whoever I liked just by entering random numbers into websites (I'm not going to, just pointing it out).
Imagine how much good will o2 could generate if they were the company pushing for the change?

[Cleoriff]

Couldn't agree more @gmarkj

As you know this is something we have been requesting for ages. I just wish O2 would listen...:smileysad:

[Martin-O2]

I'm glad you found this content useful guys! We hope to have some similar videos on other subjects soon. 

We also intend to add this to the relevant guide.  

That's a really good suggestion @gmarkj! It would save an awful lot of chasing things up for those affected.  

[Cleoriff]

Good News all round then @Martin-O2

[Payforit_Sucks]

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@gmarkj wrote:
I think the best thing o2 could do would be to advocate for a 2 stage process for signing up.
Having a single click sign you up for something that could cost upwards of £20 per month seems very worrying - I could potentially sign up whoever I liked just by entering random numbers into websites (I'm not going to, just pointing it out).
Imagine how much good will o2 could generate if they were the company pushing for the change?

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Spot on. The Payforit system, where you give permission for charges by clicking a single link is hopelessly insecure and is the cause of much consumer dissatisfaction. At present 2 factor authentication is only required for services costing more tha £4.50 per week. If two factor authentication was required for ALL subscription services, this would make it much more difficult for the system to be abused by fraudsters.

It should also be necessary to opt-in to third party billing, in the same way as for adult services.Many consumers do not want or need these services and are left unnecessarily vulnerable to fraud. I realise O2 are not alone in this respect, but they could earn brownie points by taking a lead.