After several 'discussions' with O2 who insisted the charge on my O2 bill was nothing to do with them they eventually reimbursed the unsolicited charges. I also reported the matter to Phonepay Plus who investigated and after 6 months I received the following update in April 2016. Hope this may help others.
Glamour video subscription service operating on various shortcodes
I am writing to advise you of the outcome of your complaint to PhonepayPlus.
As you may be aware, PhonepayPlus supervises both the content and advertising for premium rate services. PhonepayPlus develops and applies a Code of Practice (“the Code”) to the companies which operate premium rate services (providers). These companies are bound by their contract with the Network operators or Level 1 providers to comply with the requirements of this Code.
In response to your complaint about this service, the Executive commenced an investigation.
Investigation
The Executive received complaints for the service and its promotion by the provider, Intrugo Limited. Complaints were received from consumers stating that the service charges were unsolicited.
These complaints suggested that the service may be in breach of the Code.
Adjudications
The case subsequently went before a Panel for adjudication and its decision was that the service was in breach of the Code of Practice.
Due to the nature of the breaches, the Panel imposed the following sanctions:
- A formal reprimand;
- A fine of £250,000;
- A requirement that Intrugo Limited provider remedy the breach by ensuring that it has robust verification of each consumer’s consent to be charged before making any further charge to the consumer, including for existing subscribers to the service; and
- A requirement that Intrugo Limited provider must refund all consumers who claim a refund, for the full amount spent by them on the service, within 28 days of their claim, save where there is good cause to believe that such claims are not valid, and provide evidence to PhonepayPlus that such refunds have been made.
You will also be able to view the details of the adjudication on our website www.phonepayplus.org.uk which have now been published.
Refund Claims
Should you wish to discuss a refund in respect of the cost of any interaction you have incurred due to the service, you will need to contact Intrugo Limited, setting out your case. Intrugo Limited’s details are as follows:
Email: cs@intrugo.com
Telephone: 08081349827
Please note that PhonepayPlus cannot assist in making claims for refunds.
At PhonepayPlus we are continually looking at ways in which we can improve our service. We would be grateful for your feedback on the service you have received. You can do this by accessing the following link:
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/For-the-Public/Provide-Feedback.aspx
Yours sincerely
PhonepayPlus
0300 30 300 20
