Snack Games Scam Text

[Anonymous]

I've just received an unsolicited text out of the blue saying I've subscribed to a service called SnackGames for £2.99 per week.  They invite you to send a 'stop' text to a number and list an 0330 premium rate number to call. The other contact details are obviously bogus too. What's worrying is that on checking my account, I have been charged 😞

On contacting O2 on-line chat, the fella was about as much use as a chocolate teapot and said it wasn't an O2 charge!

I don't want to get spanked for more (unknown) charges by responding to their text either.

Has anyone else had this and managed to resolve the issue OK?

[Anonymous]

Dear Steve_F

I have falledn victim to same unsolicited scam. I have contacted O2 customer care on the phone and they were useless. Similar response- third party charges O2 cannot do anything other than taking charges out of your account- rubbish if you ask me, especially if you have not authorised the payment. Please let us know how you got on with speaking face to face with a person at O2 shop or any other steps you have taken. For now I have asked O2 to stop "charge to my mobile'. I am not sure why they do not do this (opt out) as default and people who need this can always phone and opt in to these services if they want to. 

[MI5]

@Anonymous all the info you need to fix it is already in this thread.

For reference, help thread here also https://community.o2.co.uk/t5/Pay-Monthly-and-Pay-Go/Have-you-fallen-for-or-been-conned-into-a-premium-rate-scam-What/td-p/968023

Whilst o2 may refund you this month, they are unable to stop the charges completely unfortunately.

You must contact the company billing you to do this yourself.

Legislation really does need to change, but until then, we as customers must act ourselves.

[Anonymous]

STOP giving misleading info M15. I suspect you are affiliated to 02. This scam is more widespread. The networks are enabling these diameters. Raise a complaint and report to Ofcom and your MP
Don't just moan on this board. Make people aware of this scam!

[Anonymous]

And O2 can put a block against subscriptions M15 and they can STOP the charges!

[MI5]

Don't get mad at me for your own failings mate.....

[gmarkj]

o2 act as a billing agent, but do not directly raise the charge. much like if you brought an app through either the play or apple store YOU incur the charge, and you pay through your phone bill.
Due to a lack of control from any governing body, the ease which you can sign up means many people get stung by these charges.
Contacting PSA is the best way to get them stopped and any refund.
o2 will be able to put a block on your account but only after you stop the current issue.

[Cleoriff]

Also it's obvious that many people sign up to these services because they actually WANT them. If they didn't they would go out of business. If you sign up inadvertently by clicking on a link in FB or some other outlet, how is that company or O2 expected to know this was an error on your part?

Its damn annoying, I accept that, but hardly illegal if you have actually signed up for a service. I'm not suggesting you did this personally ...but people do.

[gmarkj]

I really agree with MI5's suggestion of 2 stage verification - you enter your number then have to visit a page and enter some code.
Would make accidental subscription much harder.
Unfortunately as it means that the amount they make from unsuspecting customers would drop it is not in their favour to implement it...

[MI5]

You are of course correct in that assumption but it would be nice, just once, for someone to be looking after the consumer rather than the corporation.

[jonsie]

I'm not sure they are looking after the corporation as half of these scammers are one man and his dog in some hidey-hole, probably a garden shed.