Scam

[Nor57]

Just been scammed by Listen2books represented by Lasevia what should I do? Do I text STOP to 83463 or will it cost £1.50 they have already taken £4.50. I think I will have to change my provider

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@Nor57 Follow help here https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/Have-you-fallen-for-or-been-conned-into-a-premium-rate-s...

[Cleoriff]

@Nor57

Help here https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/How-to-Guides/Have-you-fallen-for-or-been-conned-into-a-premium-rate-s...

and here https://payforitsucks.co.uk/

[MI5]

We also have a petition running here https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Discussions-and-Feedback/Premium-rate-services-petition-to-O2/td-p/118...

[Cleoriff]

@Nor57

This is happening frequently from Lasevia. Another thread here with helpful advice from @Payforit_Sucks

https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly/Text-scam/td-p/1117437/page/2

[Payforit_Sucks]

Listen2books is a 'Payforit' scam operated by a company called Lasevia Ltd and using shortcode 83463.

Lasevia is a well known and profligate abuser of the 'Payforit' system. Take a look at their reviews on Trustpilot.

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.

Sending a STOP ALL text to 83463 should stop further charges.The text should not cost more than 12p. You should get a text back confirming that the subscription has been stopped. You can then call them on 0330 053 8808 to insist on a FULL refund. Recent reports suggest that this company will refund quite readily in order to avoid further scrutiny.

'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

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'.

Comprehensive and independent information and advice on dealing with these scams is on the payforitsucks website.  This website won't blame you for being scammed and provides constructive advice about forcing the scammers to refund. Support is also available 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.

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. Indeed it is legally negligent of O2 to continue to allow this company to take money from their customers accounts.

Paul