28-06-2017 20:14 - edited 28-06-2017 20:17
28-06-2017 20:14 - edited 28-06-2017 20:17
Hi all,
I have an O2 Mobile Broadband data only SIM in a router.
Today I have found that I am the victim of the outrageous third party charges scam which O2 have condoned for years...
The company Tap2Pay have made charges against my bill, which o2 have allowed without my authority.
As is the usual story, I have never knowingly or willingly requested any "services" from this company or any others. They have clearly created some fraudulent advert, link or the like which I have been forced into clicking on or done so without my knowledge due to it being designed this way. I am not a computer Newbie and I am well aware of dodgy adverts etc but the point is clear, the same people that are creating phishing emails, spam, malware and malicicious adverts are routinely exploiting the third party charges system to commit fraud.
The worst part about this is that o2 are condoning it and refuse to act in order to protect their customers.
o2 even instructed me, the victim, to make contact with the offenders by means of a Premium rate phone number so that I could be further exploited.
A quick google and search of just this forum shows that this is a MASSIVE issue and these fraudsters are raking in Millions. I would guess that o2 are silent because they are creaming off a healthy profit from it too.
I think enough is enough and so have reported it to ActionFraud and the Phone paid services authority but given the lack of action to thousands of other such complaints I don't hold out much hope and so have now opted to make contact with BBC Watchdog.
If you have been a victim or know someone that has and you are willing to speak with the BBC then please PM me and lets try and get this in the public eye!
I
on 28-06-2017 20:18
on 28-06-2017 20:45
The regulators need to really hammer these companies but as usual, despite strong words and threatened action, nothing ever happens.
on 28-06-2017 22:36
on 28-06-2017 22:36
on 29-06-2017 12:00
Hello @Anonymous, welcome back!
Thanks for sharing your experience with the rest. To be honest, it is really bad how many scams we see nowadays
From http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/protect-yourself/mobile-phone-fraud website
Mobile phone fraud
Mobile phone fraud involves a variety of scams that either persuade you to buy phone-related products/services that turn out to be substandard or non-existent; or to make phone calls or texts to premium services by accident, or to unknowingly sign up to expensive subscription services.
What should you do if you’ve been a victim of mobile phone fraud?
And maybe report it to the police too here http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud?
Please let us know if we can help you anyhow!
on 29-06-2017 12:25
on 29-06-2017 12:25
The regulator hands out fines http://psauthority.org.uk/for-business/tribunal-adjudications?mode=all but the directors close the company etc hard to track down etc
on 29-06-2017 21:55
on 29-06-2017 21:55
on 29-06-2017 22:13
on 29-06-2017 22:13
@Anonymous wrote:
The networks DO make money off these charges and anyone that says otherwise is a liar, deluded or works for them. Do you think they allow it for fun?
I'm assuming that was aimed at me and as far as I am aware, I'm none of the above.
I am, however, happy to learn from you so I will adjust my advice if you can present the evidence to support your claims?
on 29-06-2017 22:56
on 29-06-2017 22:56
18-08-2017 17:19 - edited 18-08-2017 17:22
18-08-2017 17:19 - edited 18-08-2017 17:22
I have spent the entire afternoon trying to sort this. The same thing has happened to me. I have only just discovered it. I've ended up sending the STOP text at £3.75. I tried to call them but twice my call was terminated, after waiting a while to get through. I have been billed for 4 texts a month since March 2016. I have not received a single text from (Tap2Bill ) 87066.
I was so disgusted with O2 for allowing this to happen I asked them to disconnect my service immediatly. However, they then said I'd have to pay the £135 remaining for my phone contract (which is billed seperatley) and as I have had over £255 stolen, by Tap2Bill I am not in position to do this right now.
This is actually theft. Phone2Bill need to be exposed for this and an apublic explaination needs to be given by O2 and any other service provider who continue to charge for a service that is a) not requested and b) not even received!