Premium Texts charges

[vos]

I have been subscribed to premium text service without my knowledge. I feel like it is a scam by whoever had my phone number. I have not sent any texts to that number, but received from them 'you are now subscribed for premium texts 3x £3.50 a month. This effectively meant that they sent me some meaningless text and charged £3.50 for it. How is this possible and allowed? It says 'text stop to 66299'. What if I send it and it's just another charge. Do customers have no protection from such obvious scams? Disappointing.

[MI5 · Accepted solution]

@vos 

Help here Guide: Have you fallen for or been conned into a premium rate scam? What to do next 

Also see here https://payforitsucks.co.uk/

[jonsie]

There is normally another charge when you text STOP, a confirmation text back generates the same charge.

[vos]

Interesting. I am very careful, when it comes to using my phone. Never would I have thought that this kind of scams are allowed to be performed. There is no chance to avoid it, as you can hide anything in Javascript, even disguised as a 'Close' button. Is there no way of blocking the whole service?

[MI5]

@vos 

Ask customer service to put a block on your account for charge to mobile and direct to bill.

Recent rule changes should help reduce these scams further too.

[vos]

Thanks for all the help and prompt replies.

[MI5]

You're welcome