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mavdo
12:17 07/04/09
Posts: 18 
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Re: unknown text charges
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81192 | At 14:48 06/04/09, littlemissey wrote: | | 81192 looking for adviceif anyone can help. I keep getting charges for text messages sent to 81192. But I know nothing about it. I've asked BT my service provider but they're as slow as snail on spammer and as about as helpful as a chocolate fire guard. Does anyone know anything about this number? I'm not getting messges, just charges. |
FIrstly, your mobile provider should immediately tell you who owns this number and how to stop it. Getting your money back is usually up to you from whoever is doing the sending, as unfair and as annoying as that is. That they seem to have not helped you at all is a matter for you to chase, and if you don't get a satisfactory response, after chasing through the phone, through a manager, through a letter, and finally through a final letter, then write to the regulator with this evidence. Don't wait for them to get back to you, get them to give you the answer on the phone, and if you don't get the answer, say you will leave. Be firm. This is not good enough.
Secondly, the charges will probably relate to incoming texts, not outgoing ones. Even though you are not receiving these texts, it does not mean they are not being sent to you.
Thirdly, 81192 is a number used by a number of companies, but as you don't get the texts you can't easily identify who is sending them.
The regulalations state that to stop the texts from ALL providers on this shortcode you should send a text with the words "STOP ALL" to 81192. If you are still getting charged, then go to www.payphoneplus.org.uk and make a complaint (here http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/consumers/complain/forms/ComplaintForm.asp?QueriedTelNum=81192 ).
PayPhonePlus have no information on that short code, but would investigate, particularly in light that they have no information.
Very interestingly, 81192 is used partially by BT themselves! (for OneVoice which is supposed to reduce your international rates), tho I can't find any evidence that it is a premium service. http://www.globalservices.bt.com/LeafAction.do?Record=Onevoice_Mobile_Access_products_all_en-gb&fromPage=Search#7
Last edited by mavdo on 16:32 17/04/09; edited 1 time in total
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littlemissey
14:48 06/04/09
Posts: 0
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unknown text charges
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| 81192 looking for adviceif anyone can help. I keep getting charges for text messages sent to 81192. But I know nothing about it. I've asked BT my service provider but they're as slow as snail on spammer and as about as helpful as a chocolate fire guard. Does anyone know anything about this number? I'm not getting messges, just charges.
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quill
23:17 15/02/09
Posts: 7
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Re: SMS scams and personal data.
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81322 81322 http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/business/adjudications/search.asp?cmd=3&id=813
22 Jan 2009
Content and/or promotion provided by Wireless Information Network Limited
Service provider responsible for
compliance under the Code of Practice Antiphony Limited
Fine �30000
American Mobile Ventures own Antiphony Limited. they also own Blue Stream Mobile Limited,
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/business/adjudications/search.asp?AD=22%2F01%2F2009&SP=Blue+Stream+Mobile+Limited&ST=&SpLookup=Search&Keywords=&cmd=2
and Win plc record speaks for it self.
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/business/adjudications/search.asp?AD=22%2F01%2F2009&SP=Wireless+Information+Network+Limited&ST=&SpLookup=Search&Keywords=&cmd=2
Phonepayplus actually names the companies that supplied the mobile numbers of the victims that were targeted by these companies.
The service provider stated that opt-ins varied from 3rd party purchases from companies such as News International and Monster mob (hard opt-ins)
http://www.nidp.com/
So next time anybody gives personal details to The Times, The Sun or The News of the World for any survey or competition they should first consider who that personal information might be sold on to.
Last edited by quill on 23:22 15/02/09; edited 3 times in total
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warweezil Site Admin
11:28 05/02/09
Posts: 277
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Re: 070 misuse
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Re "070 misuse" posted by rantrave at 10:00 05/02/09 ...
Probably all quite valid, I am very aware of status of Cheers, I do feel that to describe them as a network operator is a little misleading, as thier "product" has a built in potential for "revenue abuse" as we have seen far too many times.
They lease out - what are in effect - premium rate numbers, with that comes a special responsibility to prevent abuse, and a duty of care in relation to abuse of the "service". I might also add that this may also be considered to be in breach of the Privacy in Communications directive - it was not a personal call - I should not have been called at all as I am TPS registered on that number and have been for a number of years - and yes I have verified that the registration is still effective. I have already decided that the next company that ignores this will be persued as far as the law allows. I dont have a phone as a marketing tool. TPS registration makes it very clear that I dont want calls. Cheers claim that their privacy policy prevents them from disclosing identity of those using that number, even though they are in effect comitting fraud.
Seeing as I had received 2 calls in a matter of a few weeks from Cheers Owned lines, I felt it only right to highlight the issue, and publicise their lack of co-operation, as well as offering protection to the scammers, they seem to be very prone to this sort of abuse, and I have to wonder if it is appropriate that a a UK personal number is registered to a customer in India! Given the regular abuse of these numbers it is high time they were moved to a different range away from the 07xxx series normally associated with mobiles. Hopefully if enough complaints are made then the practices of those companies holding these blocks will come under scrtuiny from Ofcom/PP+, maybe a tougher criteria can be forced upon them for the use of these lines.
Finally, the number on which to report cases of abuse and claim refunds - operated by such companies should be a normal geographic number, why should we have to pay an often premium rate to call companies to deal with the abuses of the scammers they so readily give these numbers too. I think they have a duty of care, one that needs to be brought home to them financially. The fact that several people have recieved multiple calls speaks for itself, are the numbers leased out too readily with little or no checking, and why is it that it seems that some Cheers line abusers seem to be pooling number data? I dont have multiple calls like this from lines owned by other "networks". in fcat happily I rarely get these calls at all, and when I do I always report them.
In simple terms, the regime should place a financial burden on these companies to ensure they are VERY cautious about who they allow to operate these numbers. In fact I wonder why this market needs to exist at all - apart from its potential for revenue raising abuse.
(My Personal View)
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rantrave
10:00 05/02/09
Posts: 0
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070 misuse
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08702441503 Reading some of the posts, I feel that they have been slightly misleading and may be pointing the finger too quickly and harshly at the wrong culprits. I too had several 070 miss calls from a number which was shown to be operated by CHEERS INTERNATIONAL.
Upon investigation I found out that Cheers International are a NETWORK OPERATOR, and as such rent the numbers out to various companies who are the REAL CULPRITS. Upon talking to the friendly customer server representative at Cheers, they said as they are the Network Operator for these numbers they can investigate any suspected misuse on these numbers and that they have the powers to suspend any reseller or service provider using their numbers, withhold revenue and in turn pass this on to the aggrieved party.
I stipulated to them that I wanted my number taken off their system, and they said whilst they don't hold data for all service providers that use their numbers, they can inform the providers and enforce where possible to withdraw my number from any data lists.
SO I RECOMMEND THAT YOU CONTACT Cheers International directly if you do actually want a pro-active response. You can call them on 08702441503 also they have an online Number Enquires/Complaint form at http://www.cheerssecure.co.uk/corporate/07.html as they can assist you.
For now I haven�t been bothered again )
Ps. Perhaps the issue lies with why did ofcom come up with 070 in the first place, And don�t forget out of every call made on these numbers your mobile operator or home telephone provider make a cut.
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Nelli
13:35 03/02/09
Posts: 1
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text in competitions
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In early Jan this year I sent 3 texts to WH1, WH2 and WH3 to see if I'd won a prize. Since I hadn't won I completely forgot about them until my Virgin mobile statement arrived. Three sent texts at 3p each but SIX received texts at �1.50. I had absolutely no recollection of any of this and contacted Virgin who gave me the text service details but were not allowed (they said) go any further. After another few emails to Virgin they finally came up with the phone number of the regulatory body - Phonepayplus.org (0800500212) - so I rang them
Very helpful and, it seems, I did enter these competitions so it was all my doing after all.
But a word of warning - somewhere on the competition page in the magazine there must have been small print stating the cost of texts. I didn't look but now I know that Eckoh (the competition service) send not one reply but TWO to each text they receive - the second one to tell you know to enter other competitions. I don't know for sure, but I doubt that was mentioned in the small print!
So, beware and if I can advise - don't delete the texts or calls on your mobile phone until you've received your monthly bill and have checked that they're correct.
I shan't enter any more competitions!
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warweezil Site Admin
0:58 31/01/09
Posts: 277
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Outdoing themselves!
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ANOTHER letter from Phonepay Plus today, about a different missed call scam.
From this I take the view that the penalty I reported yesterday was a standard one as the other case today attracted the same penalty as notified to me yesterday, in fact same letter word for word save for the case reference number and the Service Providers details which are H,Navaneeth
47/31KrishnaJaisukh Street
Thingdol
Mizoram, 796075
India. The above is where you are supposed to persue a refund if you have lost money.
If I am able to match the numbers to the scams I will edit them into these posts.
I am somewhat cynical about the ability of anyone to obtain a refund from someone in India, personally, I feel the burden should fall on the company responsible for leasing the numbers to the scammers, that might encourage them to be a little more choosy about their clientele!
(My Personal Opinion)
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warweezil Site Admin
16:32 29/01/09
Posts: 277
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Missed Calls Scam - Adjudication result
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A letter arrived today from Phonepayplus regarding a complaint I made about the missed call scam directed at my mobile number last year, after some preamble setting out their duties the letter gets down to the meat of the issue.
| Quote: | Investigation.
The Executive received complaints for this service and its promotion operated by the service provider. Compliants were received regarding the receipt of calls from 070 prefixed numbers to mobile telephones which terminated after one ring.
This suggested that the service may be in breach of the Code of Practice.
Adjudication
The case went before a tribunal 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 Tribunal imposed the following sanctions.
A formal Repremand
A fine of �20,000
A bar on the service and all numbers providing access to the service unless and until the service is considered to be compliant by PhonepayPlus or for a period of 12 months whichever is longer. The Tribunal doubted whether the service could ever be compliant. The service provider is required to seek compliance advice regarding the future use or allocation of premium rate numbers which provide access to the service in question.
The Tribunal ordered that claims for refunds are to be paid by the service provider for the full amount spent by users, except where there is good cause to believe that such claims are not valid.
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The letter then gives the service providers details as follows.
| Quote: | T.Jaya Kandan
Old Number 234
New number 56-9
Durga Colony, Porur
Chennai, 600116
INDIA |
This is a first for me as in the past reports to ICSTIS seemed to lack any conclusion.
In summary, although I ignored the call and didnt suffer any loss, I felt it worth raising the issue with the regulator, as a result some of these stupid 070 numbers are closed off for a while. 07xx should be restricted to to mobiles, while "Personal Numbers" (Currently under code 070x) may have a value, their continued existance with 07 prefixes attracts fraudulent use such as we have seen here.
I hope that anyone experiencing this will take the few minutes needed to report abuses like this, maybe if enough reports go through Phonepayplus and OFCOM may consider the future of 070 number blocks - Im sure the mobile networks would welcome some additional number ranges being available - if OFCOM ever has the good sense to reassign these numbers a new prefix so they will be less readily confused with mobile numbers
(My Personal Opinion)
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quill
23:05 20/01/09
Posts: 7
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Re: Cheers International 07033319124
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07033319124 Re "Cheers International 07033319124" posted by warweezil at 14:45 20/11/08 ..
How much revenue is generated by these missed call scams? What percentage cut of the scam do the Network Operators take before passing the rest on to companies like Cheers International? Why has Ofcom allowed this fraudulent billing disgrace to continue for so long? Why does the Government (DTI/BERR), that is lobbied by the trade groups that represent the telecoms/premium rate industry, turn a blind eye to this antisocial multimillion pound criminal scandal?
Phone Call Complaints
Recent Phone Call Reports
07033353366 07033355135 07033358203 07033348390 07033316189
07033312698 07033356285 07033349538 07033346159 07033314318
07033373973 07033334458 07033307870 07033379154 07033322067
07033359002 07033331315 070333
Other Reported Calls
07033351143 07033322136 07033371956 07033366810 07033361549 07033368264 070333855582 0703332395207033364144 07033364295 07033352566 07033363046 07033338283 07033337788 07033337370
0703333 07033329945 07033317992 07033314667 07033314894 07033306308 07033312166 07033363745 07033366929 07033351011 07033355735 07033354291 07033359644 07033372785 07033365365 07033365101 07033357473 07033338969 07033328043 07033376934
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quill
21:47 05/12/08
Posts: 7
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International Audiotex Regulators Network
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http://www.mobile-ent.biz/news/32015/IARN-phone-payments-initiative-gains-support
IARN phone payments initiative gains support
The IARM initiative, which has been advised on by ex-UK watchdog (PhonepayPlus) chief George Kidd, has the support of the Mobile Entertainment Forum and the Mobile Marketing Association.
Speaking in Australia, Kidd said: �The mobile payments market has the potential to soon besoon to four or five times the size it is today. Consumer trust is the critical factor. And trust is indivisible. If consumers have trust they could use their mobiles for banking, money transfers, location-based services, to buy a far wider ranges of services and goods. If they lose trust these opportunities will go unfulfilled.�
http://www.gsmworld.com/
The GSMA is the global trade association representing the interests of over 850 GSM mobile phone operators
http://ingthor.com/index.php?/archives/575-Ekki-hringja-i-etta-numer-!.html
Telespazio actually asked and obtained from the Internationl Telecommunication Union (ITU) in 1998 the �88213� virtual country code to serve the European Mobile Satellite network (EMSAT), with professional mobile satellite applications.
The mobile Network Operators (GSMA) and Telespazio and other companies in the value chain all share the revenue generated from this global multimillion dollar missed-call billing fraud. That may explain the apparent lack of action and reluctance in shutting down the fraud.
If you are receiving missed-calls from 88213 or any other International or Premium Rate number there are no shortage of National/International Regulators to complain to. If they claim it is not their responsibility to address the problem then they are lying.
The Regulators have the ability and the legal authority (responsibility) to identify and shut down the companies that misuse networks to cause consumer harm.
http://www.itu.int/net/home/index.aspx
International Telecommunication Union
http://www.iarn.org/
Formed in 1995, IARN is the International Audiotex Regulators Network. Its main objectives are to encourage exchanges of information and to provide general knowledge of the regulation of the audiotex industry and the way regulation is approached in the member countries. It has a rotating Chair and meets twice a year.
IARN plays an important role in working to ensure that the development of audiotex (or premium rate) services within the European Union (and beyond) goes hand-in-hand with effective consumer protection.
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/pdfs/CONSULT%20RESP%20OECD%20GUIDE%20FEB%2003.PDF
ICSTIS ( PhonepayPlus ) was instrumental in establishing the International Audiotex Regulators Network (IARN).
Here are the UK�s �chocolate fire-guards�.
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/
Each country will have their own sad examples that pass themselves off has consumer protection bodies.
Here are a sample of the 88213 numbers that are/have been used in this ongoing scandal.
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Calls.aspx/882
Recent Phone Call Reports
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229001
� 8 Nov 2008 to 25 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220028
� 5 Nov 2008 to 25 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229003
� 24 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229016
� 24 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229044
� 8 Nov 2008 to 21 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213100199
� 16 Aug 2008 to 21 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213213340
� 9 Aug 2008 to 21 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229033
� 10 Nov 2008 to 21 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220026
� 10 Nov 2008 to 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220009
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220018
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220031
� 5 Nov 2008 to 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229017
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220045
� 7 Nov 2008 to 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220023
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229014
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229004
� 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229007
� 10 Nov 2008 to 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220013
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220004
� 20 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220015
� 12 Nov 2008 to 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229043
� 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220029
� 6 Nov 2008 to 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220012
� 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220925
� 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220041
� 10 Nov 2008 to 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220032
� 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213220022
� 12 Nov 2008 to 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213213608
� 20 Aug 2008 to 19 Nov 2008
�
� http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/88213229018
� 19 Nov 2008
Other Reported Calls
88213229049 88213220020 88213229002 88213220005 88213220001 88213229018 88213220033 88213220046 88213220042 88213220040 88213229013 88213220037 88213229035 88213229009 88213220038 88213220010 88213220021 882-132-2012 88213220044 88213229048 8821310 88213220047 88213220049 88213213849 882132213608 882132136082 882-132-1334 88213213508 88213300300 88213213342 882133003300 8821646650226 88213213505 88213213324 88213213325 88213213061 88213213039
Suspicious Phone Numbers
88213220030 88213229047 88213229045 88213229042 88249972 882453788 88213295603 88213229037 88213229025 88213220008 88213220016 8821 88213220035 88213220014 88230 88213229031 8821655587796 88213229021 88213229022 88213 88213229026 88213229028 88213220007 88216900590 88233000 88213220036 88213220039 88213220002 88213220024 88213229010 88213220043 88213229015 88213229005 8820366 88231229001 882131001993 8829325 8821579 8821322 88213220000 88216 882213220033 88213220034 882132290 8821323608 882132273608 88213213229035 88233300 8824313 882-132-1360 88213213606 882-133-0033 882133220041 882132200 882-131-0019 882132 88212100199 88291 88213213609 88213687952 8821627 882548110 88213213696 882-132-1608 88213100198 88288 882-130-0199 882-131-0099 8821646602481 882367619 88213213157 88222 882132136081 882161900000 88291346389 882133003 88213215784 88213213654 88213213556 88213213607 88213300301 882-131-3608 882-133-0300 8823300 88216900890 882-321-3608 88223000 882133003301 88213213 8824515 88213980778 88213100200 88211 882320999999 882-310-0199 8823223691906450000 882749871 88213213503 88213213326 88213213300 88213213344 88211763 88213300340 88213300341 88213300342 88213300344 88213300349 882131213503 88253173 882131100199 88213213213 88213213341 882-132-3340 88211323340 882132133340 882-223-4560 882321 882-375-4567 882133 8829571 8821322133840 8825204 882-132-1340 88213213065 8828822 882132123340 88213213349 882123340 882-131-3340 88213213356 8821321 882585328 8829237 88242 882-163-0003 882-882-3811 8823811 8824780 882133000 8820600 88249758 88213213501 882132113061 88228882 88214214024 88231246890 8824157384341 882725543 88215580 8829450
http://www.thepaypers.com/news/article.aspx?cid=736284
Also, research points out that people from various countries are making increasing use of fixed and mobile telecommunications services to pay for goods and services. Today, premium SMS payments are used on social-networking sites, for value-add directory services, in charitable-giving, as payment for some public services and for a host of mobile personalisation services. The data was published by IARN, the International network of regulators of phone-paid premium telecommunication services.
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warweezil Site Admin
14:45 20/11/08
Posts: 277
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Cheers International 07033319124
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07033319124 07033319124
Ok not quite an SMS scam, but "missed call" can be as bad. This is the second time in 2 months that I have had a 2 ring "missed call" from a "Cheers owned" line. having heard nothing back from the "regulator" in response to my last complaint I decided this time to call Phonepayplus (Stupid name) and blow off some steam.
I am awaiting a call back from them, I have also had a chat with the Information Commissioners Office I want to look into the possibility that my TPS registered number is being shared illegally on some scammers database. Clearly the only way to deal with these parasites is to make a nuisance of ones self, and I am happy to be a thorn in thier side whenever I can. If I can involve the ICO in respect of the usage and possible selling of my number data then that may be a more effective method to attack this problem
Despite the "client privacy" disclaimer on thier site I am certain that Cheers International have a duty to give up the identity of whoever operates that line as there are the additonal issues here involving the EU directive on "privacy in communications", as a TPS registered number this is one they should not be calling at all, I will have the information from them about who operates that number so I can ask them if they are buying data from a source of just "guesstimating" phone numbers, both of which are actionable (my number being TPS registered should not be included on any aggregators list). I have checked with the ICO and Cheers cannot hide this behind the DPA as it is information on a company - not an individual
Again I wonder why the Govt is so reluctant to renumber this premium rate service to remove the confusion surrounding the use of 07xxx codes (most people would assume it was a mobile call), I can only assume that getting 2 of these calls in 2 months indicates that the regime inside of Cheers International is failing in its duty to prevent abuse of these ludicurous numbers, and I have to ask, is Cheers International a fit and proper company to be licensed to allocate these numbers? I have my doubts.
I wasnt exactly pleased when asked by Phonepayplus if I had called Cheers International. My reply was that I have calls to geographic numbers included on my phone rental and I didnt see that Cheers scamming us on a premium rate 087xx number to complain about their customers was very much different to the call that had caused this complaint in the first place. Phonepayplus are calling them on my behalf, but IMHO there should be a freefone number maintained by these firms to report abuse of this nature - why should we have to pay through the nose to do it? It is interesting to note that this telecoms company doesnt accept complaints by phone according to its website.
Another shining example of the lack or REAL regulation in the telecoms sector by toothless watchdogs and reluctant regulators. Time for some harsh penalties to be applied.
(My Personal Opinion)
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quill
13:07 10/11/08
Posts: 7
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2008 International Parcel Delivery Scam
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Austria +43820 ******
Sierra Leone +2322227****
These numbers are being used as a revenue share premium rate billing mechanism and the calls may not terminate in those countries.
In previous cases where international premium rate numbers have been used the numbers were 'short stopped' in London to maximize revenue share for the companies involved in the fraud.
many people are receiving text messages
Text message - "URGENT! A large parcel is awaiting delivery, please call +43820****** [or +2322227****] for delivery tomorrow. From International Parcel Deliveries"
they are also appearing as missed calls on mobiles.
the International Regulator
http://www.iarn.org/
the Austrian Regulator
http://www.rtr.at/
the UK Regulator
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/
The Austrian 0820 numbers are similar to UK 0871 numbers. They are revenue share and belong to blocks owned by:
(0)820 990800 to (0820 990999
Telekom Austria TA Aktiengesellschaft
and
(0)820 899500 to (0)820 899599
atms Telefon- und Marketing Services GmbH
There are probably many more. These revenue share numbers are the leased on to other companies.
from 17/10/08 the numbers are given to
Ambervox AG
CH, 6303 Zug, Charmerstr. 79
Ambervox is really Ambavox
Charmerstr is really Chamerstrasse
.........................
from 12.09.2008 the numbers are given to:
Maxtis s.r.o.
CZ-12000, Prague, Kralodvorska 16
...............................
Maxtis also supplies Sierra Leone numbers
http://www.maxtis.com/index.php?lang=en&mod=products
Sierra Leone +232 222 720 70
..........................................
There are probably many more.
This years scam is being operated on a massive scale and raking in millions for the fraudsters and again our National and European Regulators have failed to protect the public from the Industry they 'regulate'. Again they have refused to involve the National police forces of the countries involved
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GeoffPinder
20:05 04/11/08
Posts: 0
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Premium Text Message
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09094100151 Message Received from 89974
"Call 09094100151 to use ur mins! Calls cast 10p/min (mob vary). Service provided by AOM, just GBP5/month. AOM Box61,M60 1ER until u stop. Ages 18+ only!"
I don't remember ever subscribing to anything such as this, and I've tried sending STOP, and I don't get a cancellation message and the messages still come through. I've searched online for both the shortcode and the 0909 number, and not found anything, nor have I found a company reference for AOM (the address given shares the same address as a psychic helpline, but relates to a different premium rate telephone number).
Following advice from GrumbleText I tried sending STOP ALL - which so far (after about an hour and a half) hasn't produced a cancellation message, so will wait and see if another message is received.
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GeoffPinder
19:50 04/11/08
Posts: 0
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Premium Text Message
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09094100151 Message Received from 89974
"Call 09094100151 to use ur mins! Calls cast 10p/min (mob vary). Service provided by AOM, just GBP5/month. AOM Box61,M60 1ER until u stop. Ages 18+ only!"
I don't remember ever subscribing to anything such as this, and I've tried sending STOP, and I don't get a cancellation message and the messages still come through. I've searched online for both the shortcode and the 0909 number, and not found anything, nor have I found a company reference for AOM (the address given shares the same address as a psychic helpline, but relates to a different premium rate telephone number).
Following advice from GrumbleText I tried sending STOP ALL - which so far (after about an hour and a half) hasn't produced a cancellation message, so will wait and see if another message is received.
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junebrown
12:21 02/11/08
Posts: 4
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re premium text charge
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i changed my orange mobile plan last month to cap my bit u know credit crunch and all- and so when this months bill i was staggered to find it was double what i anticipated- so i wne through it and i found i was being chrged 85p a dya everyday for a text-i rang orange and they told me someone must have subscribed to the servie- so they serached back it seem its been going on for the last 7 months- i ahve jsut never lokked at my phone bills before>i know it was not me so i dont know how it happened they wont refund and i have just worked out i have lost about �180
not happy!
the moral of the story- check your bil- imean elaly check it and dont levar your phone anywhere-they reckon it could have even be someone at he pub it only takes 30 seconds- i might have lft it on a table or something
this should be illega- what is the need for these services?
jb
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brin
9:42 18/10/08
Posts: 15
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Re: Tanla, Royal legion Poppy Appeal
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80848 80848 Anybody who has been robbed by the Premium Rate Industry will no doubt have heard of Tanla.
For the first time The Royal British Legion will include a short code number on their nationwide campaign poster and invites members of the public to text �POPPY� to 80848 to make their $1.50 donation. Alternatively up to �10 donations can be submitted by Payforit by visiting the 3 website, the Vodafone website or www.poppy.org
The Royal Legion should do a 'due diligence' test on this company. They can start by looking at their disgraceful record on the PhonepayPlus web site.
Last edited by brin on 9:52 18/10/08; edited 1 time in total
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Kasey
18:16 17/10/08
Posts: 0
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Re: even more good news
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08712316883 The 0871 number produced a heated discussion so I hung up and rang the 0845 number which is actually Zamano. They agreed to stop the 'service' immediately and a text has been received to that effect - I'll reserve judgement on whether it's actually worked till after the next text is due! They gave me another 0871 number to ring for 'Cueball' (who apparently use Zamano's software to run the 'service') to try for a refund. I got the same bloke I'd had the row with before, but he did eventually agree to refund the charges (�9) by way of a cheque to my home address - again, I'll wait & see what happens, but I'm hopeful.
| At 8:49 17/10/08, mike.ward wrote: | 08712316883 Par for the course from Zamano I'm afraid. I should ignore them and keep pestering O2. They choose to do business with the likes of Zamano, they should sort it out when these firms scam people.
Some good news however: George Kidd is the latest casualty in a series of resignations from Phonepayplus - the regulator that has been failing to protect us all from the likes of Zamano for many a long year. Perhaps things are looking up on the regulatory front.
| At 22:22 15/10/08, Kasey wrote: | 08712316883 | At 14:20 24/02/08, flyingflea wrote: | 08448714184 Freemsg: 1-month unlimited free calls! Activate SmartCall Txt: CALL to No: 68866. Subscriptn3gbp/wk unlimited calls Help: 08448714184 Stop?txt stop landlineonly
I'm O2 and received a text from a Blyk phone the other day, other than I have no idea how/why I might have received it. |
O2 were very helpful when I rang them tonight about this number appearing on my 83 yr old mother's bill. Mother has had a major stroke and has definitely NOT requested anything on premium text services.
They confirmed the company is Zamano Ltd, Bedford Chambers, Piaza, Covent Garden, London WC2 8HA, Tel 08712316883 or possibly 0845 2252244 (neither of which feature on the saynoto0870 website), email: [email protected]
Their website: www.gamb.tv gives a blank page,
I'll let you know how I get on when I try to contact Zamano tomorrow morning! |
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mike.ward
8:49 17/10/08
Posts: 27
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even more good news
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08712316883 Par for the course from Zamano I'm afraid. I should ignore them and keep pestering O2. They choose to do business with the likes of Zamano, they should sort it out when these firms scam people.
Some good news however: George Kidd is the latest casualty in a series of resignations from Phonepayplus - the regulator that has been failing to protect us all from the likes of Zamano for many a long year. Perhaps things are looking up on the regulatory front.
| At 22:22 15/10/08, Kasey wrote: | 08712316883 | At 14:20 24/02/08, flyingflea wrote: | 08448714184 Freemsg: 1-month unlimited free calls! Activate SmartCall Txt: CALL to No: 68866. Subscriptn3gbp/wk unlimited calls Help: 08448714184 Stop?txt stop landlineonly
I'm O2 and received a text from a Blyk phone the other day, other than I have no idea how/why I might have received it. |
O2 were very helpful when I rang them tonight about this number appearing on my 83 yr old mother's bill. Mother has had a major stroke and has definitely NOT requested anything on premium text services.
They confirmed the company is Zamano Ltd, Bedford Chambers, Piaza, Covent Garden, London WC2 8HA, Tel 08712316883 or possibly 0845 2252244 (neither of which feature on the saynoto0870 website), email: [email protected]
Their website: www.gamb.tv gives a blank page,
I'll let you know how I get on when I try to contact Zamano tomorrow morning! |
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Kasey
22:22 15/10/08
Posts: 0
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Re: Received this spam message today from 68866
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08712316883 | At 14:20 24/02/08, flyingflea wrote: | 08448714184 Freemsg: 1-month unlimited free calls! Activate SmartCall Txt: CALL to No: 68866. Subscriptn3gbp/wk unlimited calls Help: 08448714184 Stop?txt stop landlineonly
I'm O2 and received a text from a Blyk phone the other day, other than I have no idea how/why I might have received it. |
O2 were very helpful when I rang them tonight about this number appearing on my 83 yr old mother's bill. Mother has had a major stroke and has definitely NOT requested anything on premium text services.
They confirmed the company is Zamano Ltd, Bedford Chambers, Piaza, Covent Garden, London WC2 8HA, Tel 08712316883 or possibly 0845 2252244 (neither of which feature on the saynoto0870 website), email: [email protected]
Their website: www.gamb.tv gives a blank page,
I'll let you know how I get on when I try to contact Zamano tomorrow morning!
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quill
9:59 15/10/08
Posts: 7
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Re Tanla Solutions: Royal British Legion beware!!!!!
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Royal British Legion pick Tanla Solutions to run the mobile element of the 2008 Poppy Appeal.
The RBL should seriously reconsider this choice. Tanla has one of the worst records of involvement in the unauthorized debiting of mobile phone accounts. They continually do business with the same companies that result in repeated fines by PhonepayPlus.
The risk of connecting this charity name to Tanla is a risk that should not even be contemplated. The Poppy Appeal is an institutional name that must never be sullied.
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mike.ward
14:35 30/09/08
Posts: 27
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ofcom handing out numbers
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Funnily enough, some more good news (on this very subject) just announced at:
http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/numberingcpt/statement/
Ofcom are going to stop handing out 070, 08, and 09 numbers to known fraudsters and scammers! Shame they never thought of this earlier. Nevertheless, better late than never!
No word on short codes however.
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warweezil Site Admin
13:50 30/09/08
Posts: 277
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07033352566
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Another Missed call scammer. I had a 2 ring missed call on my mobile so I checked the calling number as it was clearly not any of my usual callers who trigger a name display from my phone book, and the code didnt look right for a mobile. Sure enough its one of those scam "missed calls"
Code: 070333
Type: Mobile
Use: Personal
Operator: Cheers International
Tariff Band: Personal Numbers local + 50p (pn7) (inc VAT)
Service: Personal
OFCOM needs to extract its head from somewhere dark and TERMINATE these codes NOW. ONLY mobiles should be on 07, that would remove a lot of the incentive for these scum companies to rent these numbers in the hope that people will just call back to see who the "mobile" is that they just missed a call from. To allow this to continue is bordering on complicity - there is no valid reason for these numbers not to be moved onto a totally different range to protect consumers from these thieves.
IT IS TIME THE ALLEGED REGULATOR ACTUALLY REGULATED AND CLOSED DOWN THE SCAM CODES
Just MY Opinion... YMMV
Last edited by warweezil on 13:53 30/09/08; edited 2 times in total
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mike.ward
14:36 05/09/08
Posts: 27
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more good news
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Resignation from PhonepayPlus Board
Statement from Sir Alistair Graham, Chairman
"I have today accepted with regret Andrew Bud's resignation from the Board of PhonepayPlus.
"Andrew has served with distinction since his appointment in 2005. His extensive knowledge of the phone-paid services market has been a great help to PhonepayPlus as it seeks to pre-empt and prevent causes of harm, and protect consumers when they occur.
"However, some compliance issues have been identified recently in relation to the services of some customers of mBlox. Andrew wanted to be free to address these issues directly, ensuring that all such services meet public and regulatory expectations, without his position on the Board becoming a consideration or matter of speculation.
"In these circumstances, I accept and applaud his decision and thank him for his contribution to PhonepayPlus."
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warweezil Site Admin
10:51 04/09/08
Posts: 277
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Re: Good news at last
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Re "Re: Good news at last" posted by mike.ward at 8:33 04/09/08 ...
The problem has been raised with Voda CS, Once I see the person who is involved with it, I will update if he has any news to report. He has also contributed to the thread on this subject on Vodas e-forum, so it is under active discussion elsewhere too.
Of course anyone else who wants to try to get it activated on their line could add weight to the issue.
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mike.ward
8:33 04/09/08
Posts: 27
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Re: Good news at last
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| At 21:10 03/09/08, warweezil wrote: | Re "Good news at last" posted by mike.ward at 13:31 01/09/08 ...
It would be good news if only Vodas' Customer service reps were aware of it. Apparently there is no obvious route for them to apply this to an account. Despite it being confirmed in the Voda e-forum, several Voda CSA's have flatly denied the existence of the service - 1 summarily ended a call when pressed to look at a thread in Vodas' own forum that confirms that the service IS available.
It seems that the good intent of this service is being hindered by the poor customer service and product knowledge that seems to exist within Vodafone - not the sort of situation one expects to find within one of the market leaders.
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Yep
Sadly you are right - as I discovered when I tried to request this service. They have stopped me making outgoing calls to 09 numbers (a "service" I have already had in place for a number of years), they have blocked me from making international calls (something that is eesential for my business), and they have not done what I asked them to - i.e. blocked INCOMING reverse charge premium rate text messages.
Moreover, it seems that Vodfone Ireland (the home of Zamano we should note) is still refusing to provide a bar on INCOMING reverse charge premium rate text messages.
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warweezil Site Admin
21:10 03/09/08
Posts: 277
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Re: Good news at last
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Re "Good news at last" posted by mike.ward at 13:31 01/09/08 ...
It would be good news if only Vodas' Customer service reps were aware of it. Apparently there is no obvious route for them to apply this to an account. Despite it being confirmed in the Voda e-forum, several Voda CSA's have flatly denied the existence of the service - 1 summarily ended a call when pressed to look at a thread in Vodas' own forum that confirms that the service IS available.
It seems that the good intent of this service is being hindered by the poor customer service and product knowledge that seems to exist within Vodafone - not the sort of situation one expects to find within one of the market leaders.
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mike.ward
13:31 01/09/08
Posts: 27
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Good news at last
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Vodafone have finally capitulated and agreed to let their customers block all premium rate - including incoming unsolicited reverse charge text messages.
Vodafone join T-mobile in providing this essential "service".
If you are still with Virgin, Three, or O2, it's time to start thinking about putting pressure on them to follow suit - or changing your network!
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nickywatts
10:21 25/07/08
Posts: 0
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| 88099 I had txts from 66611 and 88099. tried to stop them to no avail - finally vodaphone, who would NOT stop these texts going to my phone, gave me a number to contact - got an answer machine, against my better judgement I left details and 8 hours and 262 texts later they stopped. COST to me nearly �400 - only an apprentice takes me nearly 3 weeks to earn that without paying normal bills. Vodaphone NOT interested in my difficulty, even offered to pay in � 100 amounts, they needed all of it at the next bill. This is not fair and how can it be legal
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mavdo
15:35 21/07/08
Posts: 18
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Re: 07040 83XXXX
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07081700146 07081700146 | At 11:41 10/12/07, warweezil wrote: | Had 2 "missed calls" from a number in this range yesterday afternoon - the usual pattern, rang once then hung up. ...
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Just received a call from 07081700146 - 21/7/08 15:37
I'd be interested in any case references anyone has for these previous cases (no doubt now closed, for when I register my complaints.
Update - oooh what a surprise, the out-of-date "telephone code locator" website has informed me this number is in a range initially allocated to our friends at hotchilli.
My mobile service provider were unable to assist with this saying they had no idea who to contact with regard to scams of this type, but confirmed that ringing this number gets an unidentified answer-phone message asking you to leave details.
I have told hotchilli that if I receive any more calls of this nature I will go to the police and file a charge or harassment, following any process the law should wish (except one that says they won't help me). As the number is owned by hotchilli, initially the charge will be against them. I did get an initial response from hotchilli quite quickly. I'll keep you up to date on the progress.
Last edited by mavdo on 11:06 23/07/08; edited 1 time in total
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phoe
23:56 10/07/08
Posts: 9
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Expanding Vision (ex SavaMob?)
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08714742708 Background: I received a spam message which may have been premium rate, but I won't know until the bill arrives. PP+ gave 2Ergo Ltd as the operator fo the originating number. I sent them an email marked "pre-legal" asking them for full details of who they were, stating that if I received a charge for their spam I would be getting legal with them without further notice. They said they would get the company responsible to call me back.
I've just posted the following in uk.telecom.mobile and thought it might be of use to repost here for the benefit of search engines or other members.
.......
[email protected]
[email protected]
Keywords for the benefit of search engines:
83023 84025 2ergo expanding vision premium rate text message spam PO BOX 139 LA3 2WU savamob contact email
I received a call from the "company reponsible" earlier today, who say I have not been charged for the message, and that they contract 2ergo to put the messages out for them.
The call came from "Expanding Vision" http://www.expandingvision.co.uk and the only number they were willing to give out was 08714742708
I spoke to Adele, and she sounded uncomfortable when I asked for a non-premium rate number and said that was the only number they had. Sadly I missed the opportunity and should have asked for their mobile numbers...
I asked for the company registration number and data protection registration number and she was unable to give me either. I suggested a company letterhead would have the company reg. but she said they'd just moved office and didn't have one to hand... err...
Their new postcode is apparently LA1 9GN but ukdata.com shows what appears to be their "old" address of...
Company Details - EXPANDING VISION LIMITED Registered No.04730942
Address:
CITY LABS 4-6 DALTON SQUARE, LANCASTER, LANCASHIRE, LA1 1PP
Status:
Small unquoted company filing only an abbreviated balance sheet
Adele's email address is her first name @expandingvision.co.uk and the directors' is "morris" at the same.
The reason i've put this much info into the post is in case anyone else needs to track the buggers down :-p
I just noticed that the PO BOX 139 LA3 2WU address they give out also returns links for SavaMob who were running an apparently identical scam^H^H "scheme" since at least September 2005.
A recent adjudication against 2ergo can be found here, they were fined �15,000 and access to the service was barred for 9 months (premium rate "you have won a competition" without warning of call costs etc)
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/service_providers/adjudications/default.asp?node=&id=139
or http://preview.tinyurl.com/6dqjvj
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Christopher
15:44 09/07/08
Posts: 4
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Re: Unsolicited dating text from +447733207678
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| At 10:48 09/07/08, mavdo wrote: |
[very informative response snipped]
Just some possible options for you. |
Blimey, I'll have to get on that! My Dad and I suspected it was as much (an attempt to see if the number was live or not in order to send reverse-charged SMSes) but I didn't have any idea how to go from there to try and track down the culprits, or at the very least report them. Thank you very much
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mavdo
10:48 09/07/08
Posts: 18
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Re: Unsolicited dating text from +447733207678
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| At 17:50 08/07/08, Christopher wrote: |
Someone U know fancies U
To find out who Reply WHO to this txt
From:
+447733207678
18:10 6-Jul-08
Anybody know who's behind this? (or if it's a prank?) |
It is an advertising campaign to get your number. Replying "WHO" probably is taken as acceptance that you want to be signed up to further, chargeable messages.
This is against guidelines, or illegal, on a number of counts, including the fact that it doesn't tell you they will do this, or give you any T&Cs, but is probably an attempt at finding a hole in between the regulators PPP and ICO, along with the almost wholey uninterested OFCOM.
As the sender has not identified themselves to let you stop this, this is against the Privacy and Electronic Communications Act because:
1) The marketer has not obtained your details through a sale or negotiations for a sale
2) The message was not about similar products or services offered by the sender.
3) You were not given any opportunity to refuse the marketing when your details were collected and you were not given a simple way to opt out in every future communication.
The same message has been reported from the following numbers
07534828306
07909571550
The numbers are listed as being owned initially by Vodafone. If they haven't ported, they may know who they belong to. They may not tell you however.
I bet if you ring these numbers anonymously (put 141 in front and ring from a landline), you get nothing.
As these numbers are not premium rate numbers, you can complain about them to the ICO (rather than PPP) - http://www.ico.gov.uk/ They deal with electronic communications - both by email and text and have helped me with similar cases before.
Particularly here:
http://www.ico.gov.uk/complaints/privacy_and_electronic_communications.aspx
Use the "online enquiry form" half way down.
They do say you need to identify the sender, and they won't be able to immediately help if you or they can't do this. However, I still would recommend that you complain to them listing the telephone number, and the previous numbers suspected of similar offences. This should assist in them searching their records, and at least hold it on file. They have helped me before on a couple of occassions without me identifying the company.
It also states the company must be in the UK, however to obtain a UK number they must have some connection with the UK. Probably a mailing address somewhere. This means the ICO may still be able to help somehow, even if it is by getting VF to shut down the number.
After complaining, you will obtain a reference. This may take a while, but you should get one. At this point, I would then ring Vodafone and say to them you need to try and track down the company that owns that number under ICO case reference <ref no>. Vodafone may still not give you the info, stating data protection, but if you say the company concerned is breaking a similar act already, and you need them to assist you in this, then they might be able to contact ICO with the information, or investigate it themselves.
Just some possible options for you.
Last edited by mavdo on 9:05 10/07/08; edited 1 time in total
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Christopher
17:50 08/07/08
Posts: 4
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Unsolicited dating text from +447733207678
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My mum received this text to her phone earlier:
| Quote: | Someone U know fancies U
To find out who Reply WHO to this txt
From:
+447733207678
18:10 6-Jul-08 |
Not seen this before and PPP doesn't list the number in their db (Google turns up nothing either). Anybody know who's behind this? (or if it's a prank?)
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mike.ward
16:11 04/07/08
Posts: 27
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Re: I've been totally ripped off - HELP!
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| At 22:44 02/07/08, Maz1874 wrote: | Hi folks,
I need some advice. My Vodafone account has just been shut down to ncoming calls only due to the fact that my account reached �2000 due to text messages being sent from a number of 5 digit numbers. My 15 year old niece had my phone for 1 week, and tells me she didn't subscribe to anything but may have responded to texts received from these numbers as they appeared to be from other young people!!!
I appreciate that she responded in the frst place, but surely this can't be right??? Why did Vodafone allow this continue until the account reached �2000? I pay �40.00 monthly and never go over this amount.
I cannot afford to pay this amount and am not really sure I should have to. However, I'm not quite sure where to start.
Any advice gratefully received. |
Try posting on http://forum.vodafone.co.uk/index.php?showforum=16
you will often get a sympathetic response from the moderators there to these kind of problems.
Find out which number you were subscribed to and who they belong to (you can check the numbers at www.PhonePayPlus.org.uk; then ask the firms concerned how and when you "subscribed" to their "services". Get call records form Vodafone and see if they tally.
Even if your niece actually explicitly signed up to all these services, yours is not a lost cause. Were they marketed in accordance with the PP+ code? Did Vodafone exercise due diligence? Above all, be persistent, keep arguing with Vodafone, dispute the bill, go to Otelo after 12 weeks and tell Vodafone that you intend to do this.
Good luck
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Maz1874
22:44 02/07/08
Posts: 1
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I've been totally ripped off - HELP!
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Hi folks,
I need some advice. My Vodafone account has just been shut down to ncoming calls only due to the fact that my account reached �2000 due to text messages being sent from a number of 5 digit numbers. My 15 year old niece had my phone for 1 week, and tells me she didn't subscribe to anything but may have responded to texts received from these numbers as they appeared to be from other young people!!!
I appreciate that she responded in the frst place, but surely this can't be right??? Why did Vodafone allow this continue until the account reached �2000? I pay �40.00 monthly and never go over this amount.
I cannot afford to pay this amount and am not really sure I should have to. However, I'm not quite sure where to start.
Any advice gratefully received.
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rolf netzband
22:34 30/06/08
Posts: 2
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Further to my e-mail to t-mobile dated 14-06-08 I have now received a cheque from Zamano for � 57.00 in respect of the mobile text messages I received during May 2008.
Keep on complaining !
Rolf Netzband
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rolf netzband
12:56 14/06/08
Posts: 2
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In May 2008 I received frequent text message on my t-mobike phone.
As I was not interested I did not know the sender I dismissed the the minute they arrived.
I now received my monthly t-mobile bill and 19 of the etxt messages are charged at � 3.00, i.e. a total of � 57.-
I phoned t-mpbile and the told me the originator was an outfit called Zamano.
According to Google the are based in Dublin, have been fined for operating scams rtc.
I told t-mobile I would not pay The � 57.00
iI assume they are a responsible, honourable provider and thety should protect their customers from the likes of Zamano.
After all, Interne5t Service providers protect you from Junk Mail etc and with all the money the Cell phone operators make They do not need to become collectors for, what are basically crooks
Rolf Netzband
14-06-08
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paula cooper
23:23 23/05/08
Posts: 2
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Re: sms scam victims
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Re "sms scam victims" posted by Caitlin at 17:04 14/05/08 ...
Hi caitlin you requested to Interview some one who has been ripped of with these Premium rate sms scams. I will participate and tell you my story, or better still i have just typed my incident on the next page-E-MAIL SCAMS read through it and see if this is what your looking for. If it is, get back to me via this e-mail. Paula.
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Caitlin
17:04 14/05/08
Posts: 1
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sms scam victims
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I'm working on a programme for BBC Radio 5Live about text scams, where customers are being charged an extortionate amount for texts they didn't request. I was hoping to interview someone for the show about their experience of this. It would be great to hear from anyone willing to talk, and be recorded, for broadcast this Sunday.
Many thanks.
Caitlin
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mike.ward
18:02 06/05/08
Posts: 27
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Great news:
The Scream
has reopened for public view.
Plenty to catch up on.
Mike
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mike.ward
16:09 02/05/08
Posts: 27
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700034624 - Stealth Reverse charge SMS! HELP!! New method!!!
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8700 Remember this?
| Quote: | Hi All,
On my T-Mobile bill I am being charged �1.50 a time from 700034624.
T-Mobile has said this is the known zamano / reverse premium rate SMS messages going around.
HOWEVER
I never actually receieve any text messages!!!!!
I can not find any information on this site or google about 700034624.
They have been appearing on my bill 3 times every 4th day, �1.50 a time and at the exact time of 16:45.
Yet I have not received any messages!!!!!!!!
Is this a new scam / method?
Please please advise.
T-Mobile are unwilling to bar the account, unwilling to help claiming I have signed up to these services (believe me, I didn't nor did anyone else). I cant cancel my line as im still tied into a contract - I think I might have to change my number...
I've lost faith in the mobile phone industry.
PLEASE ADVISE |
Well, after pestering Ofcom about this for the past couple of months (PhonePayPlus simply refused to engage with me on the subject) Ofcom finally got back to me with a straight story:
| Quote: | I am grateful to you for having alerted us to this. There does appear to be a problem and it looks to be exactly is as you describe it.
where a customer has a 5 digit short code listed on his itemised bill, he can text "STOP" to that number, and can go on to the PhonepayPlus number checker to verify the identity of the service provider behind the service in question.
however, it seems that T-Mobile and Virgin do not list the 5 digit short code at all on their bills, but instead choose to put an 7000XXXXX "service ID" on their bill alongside each charge.
this means that consumers getting a bill cannot (i) check the identity of the provider through the PhonepayPlus number checker; and (ii) for subscription services, use the "STOP" command.
That's a description of the problem. Two possible solutions:
PhonepayPlus starts listing 7000XXXXX service IDs as part of its number checker;
Virgin and T-Mobile start to list 5 digit short codes on their bills.
The second of these looks like the better solution, not least because the first still does not allow the consumer to use the STOP command.
We are engaging with the mobile operators to understand better why they use 8700XXXXX service IDs rather than list the 5 digit short code.
I consider this to be a serious issue as, on the face of it, it makes it harder for consumers to validate their usage of phonepaid services and to opt out of particular subscription services. We are working with PhonepayPlus to find a way forward on this. |
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Glasgowf72
10:07 01/05/08
Posts: 1
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84010
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| I recently noticed that �1.50 (been taken twice) was being taken from my credit. I do not use sites where I have to subscribe to. I contacted O2 and they said I had to contact DIALOG which I did and I was informed by DIALOG that the company that was taking my credit was MOKO. I was given a number to call to stop the money been taken which I called (automated). I then emailed MOKO to request my money back, but they replied and said that they have no record of my number. Help!
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quill
11:33 30/04/08
Posts: 7
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blocking reverse charge spam text messages on your mobile
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| Quote: | http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/news/articles/nr_20080428.asp
TOUGH NEW ENFORCEMENT MEASURES IN PHONE-PAID SERVICES MARKET
28 April 2008
PhonepayPlus, the phone-paid services regulator,
today announced a streamlined approach to enforcement with the creation of a new Code Compliance Panel.
Commenting on his appointment and the creation of the Panel,
David Cockburn said: "PhonepayPlus has a long and trusted history of protecting consumers and I am delighted to be chairing.............."
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OK STOP! THAT'S ENOUGH!
The Regulators and crooks have been misleading us and thieving from us for eight years.
The Government, Regulators, Network Operators, Service Providers all share the stolen money.
They all share responsibility for this ongoing theft.
It's clear they cannot be trusted to STOP!
Why won't they allow us to protect ourselves and our children by blocking reverse charge spam text messages on our mobiles?
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mike.ward
8:46 24/04/08
Posts: 27
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Re: blocking reverse chareg spam text messages on your mobil
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or even reverse charge spam text messages on your mobile
What happened to editing?
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mike.ward
8:39 24/04/08
Posts: 27
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beautywiz
15:21 02/04/08
Posts: 6
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Re: Has anyone heard of Waptonesnow.com
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| Thanks for the reply, its very frustrating, maybe we should all hold back part payment of our telephone bills, until the providers start to clamp down on scammers
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beautywiz
15:06 02/04/08
Posts: 6
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Log your messages
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After having several dealings with non solicited text messages, I have decided to log any received premium rate text messages and complaints, I make to Pay Phone (who are unfortunately very weak). O2 now have a thing called Blue Book that keeps an online record of messages etc, this could be useful if you ever need proof that you haven't subscribed to these texts. you will also have proof that you have text the "STOP" command, which so many of these companies ignore. In a world where we are concerned about identity theft and Data Protection, the same rules don't seem to apply to our phone numbers, lets face it anyone can enter your number on to a scam website, without any proof of identity. It would be interesting to know who the best service providers are, when dealing with premium rate text. I have started receiving messages again after returning to O2, however they did refund me after I complained. Do some service providers attract premium rate services?
Post edited by Moderator - Bold font removed
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brin
13:59 02/04/08
Posts: 15
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Re: Has anyone heard of Waptonesnow.com
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Re "Re: Has anyone heard of Waptonesnow.com" posted by beautywiz at 10:15 02/04/08 ...
@ beautywiz it's quite possible these crooks originally purchased your number from a data collecting company. There are lots of dubious ways they obtain them.
The scams are carried out by Service Provider( they arrange billing with your mobile operator and short code ) working with a Content Provider(they provide the wap site and crap ).
When the regulator(PayPhonePlus aka Icstis) investigates they may shut the content provider down and fine the service provider up to 10% of the stolen money (you can decide for yourself whether that is a deterrent).
When the content provider is shut down they simply change name and register another web-site. They can then target you through another service provider.
the list of service providers used to target you:
m/blox
MX telecom
Monstermob
Tanla/2comm
All of them have received numerous fines totaling many tens of thousands of pounds.
@omega1"When on earth are the authorities going to get tough with these shadowy companies?"
This 'industry' is a multi-billion pound industry and is protected by duplicit politicians and regulators.
It doesn't help that the chairman of one of the worst companies (mblox) also sits on the board of the regulator (PhonePayPlus)
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omega1
12:26 02/04/08
Posts: 2
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text message scammers
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| Well done you. I'm the person who had a problem with Stealthnet, who effectively stole money from my son. When on earth are the authorities going to get tough with these shadowy companies? They are making money by deception, targeting children in a lot of cases which is disgusting.
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beautywiz
10:15 02/04/08
Posts: 6
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Re: Has anyone heard of Waptonesnow.com
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| My question is how did you get my information in the first place when I have never signed up to your service. I'm not stupid, so when I received your Wap message, I checked out your website via my compuuter, not my phone, to see who you were. I never use my phone for internet services. Its blatantly obvious that all companies of this type share and sell information, or even just take pot luck texting random numbers.
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