@GarySSH wrote:
I have just checked my billing and noticed there is a charge of £4.50 and I have no idea what it is for or where it has come from. Has this happened to anyone else and can I be refunded for this amount?
Unexpected charges of £4.50 are usually associated with 'Payforit' scams. You should have received a text message (usually prefixed by "Freemsg:") giving you details of the bogus subscription you are supposed to have signed up to. Consumers often block or delete these in error, thinking that they are spam. The text will give you the details you need to stop the subscription and claim a refund. If you can't locate the text, you will need to ask O2 for this information.
This will be a weekly subscription, so you need to take action to prevent further charges being taken.
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 the 5 digit number given in the subscription text should stop further charges. You can then call them on their customer services number (also in the subscription text) to insist on a FULL 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.
Paul
