@Toots
This will be a Payforit scam. As well as the text from 3009007, you should have received a text from a 5 digit number informing you of the "service" you are subscribed to. Often consumers block or delete these texts thinking they are spam.
3009007 is a number used by a company called Tap2Bill. You could ring them on 0149 475 0500 and they should be able to help you identify the service you are subscribed to.
Most of the scam services facilitated by Tap2Bill use shortcode 83463. You could try sending a STOP ALL text to 83463. If you were subscribed to one of these services, you should get a text back saying you have been unsubscribed.
If all else fails, you can ask O2 to help you identify the originator of the charges.
You do need to take action as these scams take the form of subscriptions, usually £4.50 per week. Charges will be applied weekly until you take action to stop them.
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
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. 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.
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.
These scams should be reported to the Phone-paid Services Authority who "regulate" them.
Paul
