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Mobiplanet SMS scam (57976)

  • 16-06-2019 10:23am
    #1
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭


    I recently received this:

    'Free Msg: To subscribe to MobiPlanet for UNLIMITED ACCESS for 7.50 EUR/week (3x2.50 EUR) and confirm you are over 18 yrs, reply APP to to this message!'

    First, where is this company getting my private number from? Second, is the company running this 57996 number the same Red27 Mobile company which runs the 57997 number scam? I reported the latter to Comreg, and it, Red27, said they'd remove my number from their database. Have they now set up a new company to continue this? I'm going to try the Data Protection Commissioner this time, as I really object to my private number being in the hands of these companies (or in the hands of anybody I don't give it to).

    How is the licensing of these "services" to operate in this state even justified?


«134

Comments

  • #2
    dudara
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 33,518 ✭✭✭✭dudara


    First thing I would do is submit a Subject Access Request under the GDPR to the company asking them to share where they got your number and asking them to provide evidence that you gave them permission to contact you. It’s free and it’s your right to do so under the GDPR.

    They must respond to the SAR within 1 month https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/individuals/know-your-rights/how-long-will-it-take , or advise you if it will take longer.

    Depending on the response you receive, you can then officially complain to the DPC. They have lots of info on their website.


  • #3
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/PR7376/MOBIZONE

    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/Find/Index?ShortCode=57976


  • #4
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    STB. wrote: »
    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/PR7376/MOBIZONE

    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/Find/Index?ShortCode=57976

    Very interesting facility there. Thanks. However, my above text was from Mobiplanet, whereas your link is to Mobizone. Is there evidence they are the same company? i.e. Does only one company own that shortcode 57976 that both Mobiplanet and Mobizone are on?

    Mobiplanet [web: http://umelimited.com]

    Mobizone [web:www.red27mobile.com]


  • #5
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    Deleted User wrote: »
    Very interesting facility there. Thanks. However, my above text was from Mobiplanet, whereas your link is to Mobizone. Is there evidence they are the same company? i.e. Does only one company own that shortcode 57976 that both Mobiplanet and Mobizone are on?

    Mobiplanet [web: http://umelimited.com]

    Mobizone [web:www.red27mobile.com]


    These text services are provided by Universal Mobile Enterprises


    Mobiplanet

    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/PR6538/MOBIPLANET


    Past history of this shortcode >



    https://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2057671152/1


  • #6
    goldenhoarde
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 861 ✭✭✭goldenhoarde


    [Deleted User] wrote: »
    I recently received this:

    'Free Msg: To subscribe to MobiPlanet for UNLIMITED ACCESS for 7.50 EUR/week (3x2.50 EUR) and confirm you are over 18 yrs, reply APP to to this message!'

    First, where is this company getting my private number from? Second, is the company running this 57996 number the same Red27 Mobile company which runs the 57997 number scam? I reported the latter to Comreg, and it, Red27, said they'd remove my number from their database. Have they now set up a new company to continue this? I'm going to try the Data Protection Commissioner this time, as I really object to my private number being in the hands of these companies (or in the hands of anybody I don't give it to).

    How is the licensing of these "services" to operate in this state even justified?


    Irish numbers are all 08X xxxXxxx (7 Digits) so they just send to all unsolicited but very few complain and lots sign up


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  • #7
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    Interestingly, I've been reliably informed that whatever way these numbers are permitted to operate in this state, the key company above is called TxtNation Ltd. Apparently, it rents out phone numbers including the above numbers (57996, 57997), to different firms which then offer quizzes, competitions etc. Here, here and here are other Boards' posts on this company's "services".


  • #8
    navowner1
    Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭navowner1


    I too have received the scam texts from vfit.guru / 57976 which I did not sign up to.


    I have emailed them asking the following, and will be following up with comreg once I receive a reply;


    ==


    Please also reply with answers to the below:

    1 how did you obtain my number on to your service?

    2 how were the payments authorised?

    3 can I have proof of the authorisation?

    4 can you locate any interaction or usage between this number and your service?

    ==

    Further information is available here for those interested;

    https://servicechecker.comreg.ie/PR7145/YOUR_FIT_GURU

    https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05642278

    https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/05642278/officers

    They seem to be making a tidy sum off these blackhat tactics (£12.5m turnover in 2017).


  • #9
    navowner1
    Registered Users Posts: 12 ✭navowner1


    As an update I received a refund from "SB7 Mobile Ltd" (https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06117314/filing-history), but they have yet to reply proving that I signed up to their service. Txtnation in an email to me claimed that "The reason that you have been billed is that you have clicked to enter a subscription service is to have 28 days access to a fitness and lifestyle portal that is completely accessible from your handset.The subscription service was also verified via a text message sent directly to your handset, to which you replied to confirm and activate the service."

    I clicked no such thing and replied to no texts from them, so I have opened a complaint with Comreg who are now saying that it's the Data Protection Commission's job - so we'll see what happens.


  • #10
    corks finest
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,707 ✭✭✭corks finest


    dudara wrote: »
    First thing I would do is submit a Subject Access Request under the GDPR to the company asking them to share where they got your number and asking them to provide evidence that you gave them permission to contact you. It’s free and it’s your right to do so under the GDPR.

    They must respond to the SAR within 1 month https://www.dataprotection.ie/en/individuals/know-your-rights/how-long-will-it-take , or advise you if it will take longer.

    Depending on the response you receive, you can then officially complain to the DPC. They have lots of info on their website.
    Great advice


  • #11
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    navowner1 wrote: »
    As an update I received a refund from "SB7 Mobile Ltd" (https://beta.companieshouse.gov.uk/company/06117314/filing-history), but they have yet to reply proving that I signed up to their service. Txtnation in an email to me claimed that "The reason that you have been billed is that you have clicked to enter a subscription service is to have 28 days access to a fitness and lifestyle portal that is completely accessible from your handset.The subscription service was also verified via a text message sent directly to your handset, to which you replied to confirm and activate the service."

    I clicked no such thing and replied to no texts from them, so I have opened a complaint with Comreg who are now saying that it's the Data Protection Commission's job - so we'll see what happens.


    Can you confirm what email address you used to contact them please?


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  • #12
    Rips
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 416 ✭✭Rips


    This happened to me today, Three advised I text STOP to the number.


    Did you supply your details to get a refund? I have a proxy email I can use but I am very unhappy about actually interacting with any unsolicited text. There is just no way I clicked any link or gave my phonenumber to any shoddy company. I won't even give Three my details.


  • #13
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    Comreg need to step in here at this stage. The number of complaints about these is very high. A quick google of each mobile phone company's forum shows as much.

    All premium-rate service providers must adhere to the provisions within a Comreg code of practice for provision of premium-rate services. This code of practice is not worth the paper its written on. Clearly Unsolicited text scam companies are abusing poor regulation. Big fines needed.

    Simply having a complaint procedure where you have to contact the company after they have taken the money is the loophole. Many don't, and many dont know how to get their money back or do not puruse it. This is how they are making money.

    Both Comreg and the mobile phone companies are enabling this to happen.


  • #14
    L1011
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69,539 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    The operators pay Comreg for their licence. This creates a conflict of interest situation in my eyes


  • #15
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    L1011 wrote: »
    The operators pay Comreg for their licence. This creates a conflict of interest situation in my eyes


    Same problem in the UK L1101 with the PSA.

    The loophole protection is the complaints mechanism in that they must reverse charge for those that complaint, but that it is not good enough. Unsolicited and unauthorised transactions is where the real issue that needs to be tackled lie. Its whackamole otherwise.

    Its not accidental incidents, its a business plan for many. The whole unsolicited method that surrounds premium rate operators needs a fresh rethink.



    Its also being facilitated by the mobile phone companies. All of this should be blocked by default in SIMS.


  • #16
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,850 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    Interesting thread here...
    https://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2056017680/2

    Requirement to send STOP is so ridiculous, it's probably costing more to send that text and it may actually encourage them to keep sending them, it's not like they've been following the rules up until then.

    Here's a post from 2012 which gives an idea of what the companies were at...
    https://m.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77747609&postcount=66

    A simple opt out on the ISP web portal is all that they need to implement and Comreg need to step up and protect consumers properly. I thought that GDPR would have put a stop to these scams but they seem to have just eased off initially but have now ramped up again once the dust settled without any proper enforcement.

    This is from 2015, assuming it's still active, billing agreement between Three and Zamano...
    Zamano, the Dublin-listed mobile services company, has agreed a deal with Three to allow the company’s technology be used as a conduit by e-commerce providers to bill Three’s customers directly via their mobile phone bill.

    Zamano told the stock exchange it has gained approval from Three to become an “approved direct carrier billing partner”. It already has a similar agreement with Vodafone, and Zamano said it is seeking to be connected to the 18 per cent of the market that subscribes to Meteor.

    “Zamano is in the process of developing the required platform infrastructure to allow merchants to sell goods directly by processing payments via direct carrier billing to Vodafone Ireland and Three customers,” the company said.

    Ross Conlon, Zamano’s chief executive, said gaining direct connections to mobile operator’s billing systems billing systems is “a key objective” for the group.

    Is there any evidence to show they are actually selling any "goods" (oh the irony of that word) at all?

    https://www.irishtimes.com/business/technology/zamano-signs-deal-with-three-mobile-to-become-billing-partner-1.2179940


  • #17
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    Ten Pin wrote: »
    Interesting thread here...
    https://www.boards.ie/ttfthread/2056017680/2

    Requirement to send STOP is so ridiculous, it's probably costing more to send that text and it may actually encourage them to keep sending them, it's not like they've been following the rules up until then.

    Here's a post from 2012 which gives an idea of what the companies were at...
    https://m.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=77747609&postcount=66

    A simple opt out on the ISP web portal is all that they need to implement and Comreg need to step up and protect consumers properly.

    It should be 'opt-in' - something along the lines of 'if you are crazy enough to pay large amounts of money for stuff that is generally available for free elsewhere' then opt-in.

    Is there any actual value proposition with these services, beyond scamming a never ending supply of people for a few weeks or months until they notice.


  • #18
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    navowner1 wrote: »
    I clicked no such thing and replied to no texts from them, so I have opened a complaint with Comreg who are now saying that it's the Data Protection Commission's job - so we'll see what happens.


    Dont let this go. Comregs job responsibilities include a consumer care function on behalf of all consumers of electronic communications and services. More importantly, it has an enforcement function.

    You are being fobbed off. Here is the Section of Comreg that seem to deal with it.

    "The Premium Rate Service (PRS) Section is responsible for carrying out investigations relating to the provision, content and promotion of PRS with the objective of protecting the interests of end users of PRS. The Section also develops and implements policies for the PRS sector including a Code of Practice and a Levy, which are relevant to licensed PRS providers."


    Ask them why licensed Network Operators are allowed to enable premium rate services by default, rather than as an opt in process.

    Then ask them what investigations it has carried out of these companies that they have been receiving countless complaints about.


  • #19
    Glass fused light
    Registered Users Posts: 1,576 ✭✭✭Glass fused light


    STB. wrote: »
    Comreg need to step in here at this stage. The number of complaints about these is very high. A quick google of each mobile phone company's forum shows as much.

    All premium-rate service providers must adhere to the provisions within a Comreg code of practice for provision of premium-rate services. This code of practice is not worth the paper its written on. Clearly Unsolicited text scam companies are abusing poor regulation. Big fines needed.

    Simply having a complaint procedure where you have to contact the company after they have taken the money is the loophole. Many don't, and many dont know how to get their money back or do not puruse it. This is how they are making money.

    Both Comreg and the mobile phone companies are enabling this to happen.

    I would go one step further and say that the action of getting paid falls under obtaining money by deception and anti-money laundering legislation.

    In any other instance if the user claims that they did not contract with a third party, company would not collect or pay over the disputed money. They would suggest that the user and third party come to a resolution before any money changes hands.

    The phone company as collector of the money has a obligation to not engage in illegal activites. By not verifying that their user authorises the transaction and then denying their part in the collection but gaining a fee the company is "washing the ill gotten" gains through the banking system.

    Yes it would complicate the current method of subscribing to premium rate services but it would be fairer if the phone company had to send and get independent verification before taking someone's money


  • #20
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    I could be reading this incorrectly but, surprisingly, it seems that at least the main (all?) premium numbers will be banned, by virtue of thereafter being charged at landline call rates, from 1st December:

    Moneyguideireland: 1850 and 1890 Numbers to be Included in Bundles


  • #21
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    Deleted User wrote: »
    I could be reading this incorrectly but, surprisingly, it seems that at least the main (all?) premium numbers will be banned, by virtue of thereafter being charged at landline call rates, from 1st December:

    Moneyguideireland: 1850 and 1890 Numbers to be Included in Bundles
    Does that impact text message services?


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  • #22
    L1011
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69,539 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    That doesn't impact text or 15xx premium rate


  • #23
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    Isn't it time that the whole area was looked at ?


    Serious lack of weighty legislation unfortunately.


    If you looked into the names of some of the operators of premium lines you might come up with names of sons of former politicians.


  • #24
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    I managed to get a full refund by submitting a formal complaint, and sending proof that the phone user was under 18 - €67.50 back into my bank account today.


  • #25
    dal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 590 ✭✭✭dal


    This is insane. Was in Donegal over the weekend (I'm from Belfast) I handed my phone to my 3 year-old to watch a video and within 5 seconds, the child had clicked on an ad below the youtube video and on the big button on the page below.
    Hl4TGRB.jpg

    Clicking on this button did the following:
    Immediately sent 4 messages to my mobile phone - each of these messages was charged at TEN POUND each. I looked at my mobile bill pending charges and sure enough 40 was charged.

    Note, at no point was my phone number entered, at no point was any payment information entered (obviously my 3 year old knows neither of these).

    All my 3 year old did was click on the big green button (after clicking on a massive ad immediately below the youtube video). This is insane. How on earth are they even allowed access to my phone number never mind being able to charge me 40 pounds from clicking on a link?


  • #26
    [Deleted User]
    Posts: 0 ✭ [Deleted User]


    dal wrote: »
    This is insane. Was in Donegal over the weekend (I'm from Belfast) I handed my phone to my 3 year-old to watch a video and within 5 seconds, the child had clicked on an ad below the youtube video and on the big button on the page below.

    Clicking on this button did the following:
    Immediately sent 4 messages to my mobile phone - each of these messages was charged at TEN POUND each. I looked at my mobile bill pending charges and sure enough 40 was charged.

    Note, at no point was my phone number entered, at no point was any payment information entered (obviously my 3 year old knows neither of these).

    All my 3 year old did was click on the big green button (after clicking on a massive ad immediately below the youtube video). This is insane. How on earth are they even allowed access to my phone number never mind being able to charge me 40 pounds from clicking on a link?

    And therein is an issue: if these parasite firms are going to be allowed carry on their legalised scam by the Irish state, then all default settings with our telephone provider should be set to a ban on all premium rate services. Currently, the default until you request to change, having presumably given them one successful scam, is set to accept these scame premium lines companies. Just who in Dáil Éireann or in the relevant Oireachtas committees can justify this being legal?

    To take another tack, anytime I sign up for a contract - Energia, ESB Networks, Virgin, etc - I have a 14-day cooling off period under Irish law. Does some such right not exist in the above case?

    Again, the justification for such "services" is never addressed by legislators. They serve no purpose other than to scam people with the approval of our state.

    PS: What are the chances that the people behind the above ModoMobi scam are some of the same people involved in a slew of other similar scams? I'd say highly, highly, highly likely!


  • #27
    L1011
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 69,539 ✭✭✭✭L1011


    Comreg get paid fees by PRS operators. They are not impartial here, and as long as operators refund people who complain they will just ignore it.

    Look how long its taken them to move on the 1850/1890/0818 and seperate but connected 076 charging issues - saynoto1890 is going for over 12 years!


  • #28
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    Deleted User wrote: »
    To take another tack, anytime I sign up for a contract - Energia, ESB Networks, Virgin, etc - I have a 14-day cooling off period under Irish law. Does some such right not exist in the above case?
    That's a great point about the cooling off period. Though for me, I didn't spot the charges until some months later.


  • #29
    nc6000
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,335 ✭✭✭nc6000


    It's ridiculous how the mobile operators and Comreg allow this. I regularly check my daughter's balance to make sure she had a valid offer and lots of data and credit left etc. I couldn't figure out where her credit was going to as her offer should have included calls & texts. Anyway, after another top-up and about €10 of credit vanishing within a few hours I decided to look into it and discovered that she was being charged for receiving texts and this is where her credit was going to.

    Whatever about being charged for sending messages to enter competitions but to be charged €2.50 for receiving messages without actually doing anything on the phone is crazy. I've received somewhat of a refund from the operator but I'm getting back to them as it wasn't for the full amount.

    I wonder how many people have been caught out by this or left in situations where they couldn't make calls or contact people because their credit had vanished.


  • #30
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,850 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    This article from 2012 shows a lack of proper consumer protection by Comreg, whether that's because they don't have the legislation required to do so or lack the necessary diligence and motivation isn't clear...
    https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2090062/Mobile-phone-rip-offs-10-000-consumers-wrongly-signed-costly-subscription-services.html

    Comreg could just ban reverse charge SMS and problem solved but for some unknown reason they haven't done so.
    ComReg also sought responses on the prohibition of 'Mobile Terminated' billing, also known as reverse billed SMS.

    This is where the consumer is billed for receiving a text rather sending one.

    Unsurprisingly, companies offering subscription services objected to the requirement.

    Modeva, which refused to comment to IMoS, made a submission to ComReg stating that the simple double opt-in 'will devastate Modeva and the industry' and said 'no change is needed' in relation to reverse billing. ComReg will make a decision in the 'coming weeks.'

    There's something bizarre about a licensing system that seems to allow digital pick pocketing (allegedly).


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  • #31
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    Dal claims he was brought to this by YouTube. There’s another avenue. And was this during a children’s programme/content on YouTube if you can remember? Whilst there’s no specific laws covering children’s content on YouTube and adverts, it’s pretty shocking to include these adverts if it was. I’ve also noticed that the majority of people it’s happening to uses an android phone


  • #32
    dal
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 590 ✭✭✭dal


    Grab All Association wrote: »
    Dal claims he was brought to this by YouTube. There’s another avenue. And was this during a children’s programme/content on YouTube if you can remember? Whilst there’s no specific laws covering children’s content on YouTube and adverts, it’s pretty shocking to include these adverts if it was. I’ve also noticed that the majority of people it’s happening to uses an android phone

    So - it wasn't specifically a children's programme - it was just some random video. Here is a screenshot below:

    9e4lpL0.jpg

    So literally, my child clicked that ad and then the massive green button on the page that opens (the previous screenshot I posted) and that was it. 2 clicks. Boom, 40 quid sterling charged to my mobile bill.

    It has to be a scam, because there is absolutely NO DETAIL on what the content of the course is that you're signing up to. Like it doesn't tell you what the heck fitness guru is or does or what you get for your money. It's completely mental.

    EDIT: Apologies for the enormous screenshots by the way


  • #33
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    Reverse SMS Billing needs to blocked by default by phone operators. And Comreg need to make it so. Is it any wonder there is a plethora of complaints about these companies when you see how unscrupulous they are with cross scripting in youtube adverts (as shown above).


    You should be required to actively sign up before anyone can legitimately send texts that charge.

    Off to Comreg with that evidence Dal. Linked earlier in thread.


  • #34
    SeeMoreBut
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 800 ✭✭✭SeeMoreBut


    I just got hit with the freemsg: your free trial to gamesunltd is here! free for 24hr, 30 days access for 20.00 eur after. send stop to 57977. help 016869147 support red27mobile.com

    Three support told me to send stop or turn off all premium services on my account. I just turned it off as couldn't trust the stop going what I read.

    I'll buy a pay as you go if I need to use them


  • #35
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    This on YouTube. I luckily spotted it before I could’ve accidentally clicked it. I was watching Gordon Ramsay cooking.

    There’ll be a second post below by me in a few minutes so i hope this is ok or if not, can you merge them with attached?


  • #36
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    So I searched Peppa Pig on YouTube, the kind of things your child would watch on YouTube and low and behold


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  • #37
    fritzelly
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,670 ✭✭✭✭fritzelly


    SeeMoreBut wrote: »
    I just got hit with the freemsg: your free trial to gamesunltd is here! free for 24hr, 30 days access for 20.00 eur after. send stop to 57977. help 016869147 support red27mobile.com

    Three support told me to send stop or turn off all premium services on my account. I just turned it off as couldn't trust the stop going what I read.

    I'll buy a pay as you go if I need to use them

    Good few threads about Three users getting conned by these - been with Tesco, O2, Vodafone, Eir and never got anything like it.


  • #38
    AndrewJRenko
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 29,440 ✭✭✭✭AndrewJRenko


    fritzelly wrote: »
    Good few threads about Three users getting conned by these - been with Tesco, O2, Vodafone, Eir and never got anything like it.
    A family member on Virgin Mobile was hit badly over a few months before anyone noticed.


  • #39
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    AdBlock is available for Android. Get it.


  • #40
    bluemachaveli
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,743 ✭✭✭bluemachaveli


    SeeMoreBut wrote: »
    I just got hit with the freemsg: your free trial to gamesunltd is here! free for 24hr, 30 days access for 20.00 eur after. send stop to 57977. help 016869147 support red27mobile.com

    Three support told me to send stop or turn off all premium services on my account. I just turned it off as couldn't trust the stop going what I read.

    I'll buy a pay as you go if I need to use them

    I got hit with this back in December. I know for a fact I didn't click anything to sign up as I was at my desk in work not using the phone when the SMS came through about the trial, unfortunately I didn't read it correctly and got distracted by a colleague. Sure enough the following day I got hit for €20.

    Opened a complaint on their website and head nothing back for 3 weeks. Eventually I escalated to Comreg and Red27 finally got back to me to advise the charges were legit and I signed up to the service. I had a huge amount of back and forth but finally got them to provide the information regarding the signup.

    They sent over a screenshot showing the timestamp, IP address of the request, Referral link and mobile device info. I could see straight away that the click through was from the Fortnite App (don't have this installed) and the IOS version didn't match (request came from a device on 12.1.2 and I've been on 13+ since the dev beta in June). I tracked the IP to the 3 network, which is correct. Contacted 3 to confirm if the IP was associated with my account on the date in question and they informed it was not.

    Finally got a refund out of them once I went back with all the info. I suspect that they are buying batches of numbers from somewhere and signing them up on a batch of devices. I forwarded all the info on to com reg and asked them to investigate as despite getting a refund, I know I didn't sign up for it. Don't expect much to be done tho :rolleyes: I've since removed all premium SMS from my account, I can go without the competitions.


  • #41
    whiterebel
    Moderators, Business & Finance Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 15,008 Mod ✭✭✭✭whiterebel


    Fair play for questioning it to that level. You could see why people wouldn’t bother. My son has now been hit twice in the last couple of months.


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  • #42
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,850 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    They sent over a screenshot showing the timestamp, IP address of the request, Referral link and mobile device info. I could see straight away that the click through was from the Fortnite App (don't have this installed) and the IOS version didn't match (request came from a device on 12.1.2 and I've been on 13+ since the dev beta in June). I tracked the IP to the 3 network, which is correct. Contacted 3 to confirm if the IP was associated with my account on the date in question and they informed it was not.

    Could they explain how they got your number or is it based on the IP address alone? And was it an internal or external IP address?

    Wonder are they harvesting IP addresses and submitting them on following days resulting in someone else getting scammed. If that's what's happening then 3 are assisting the PRS provider by not checking for a confirmation text which AFAIK the PRS provider must receive before they can start charging.

    Did you have to use GDPR to get access to the details from 3 and Red27?


  • #43
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    bluemachaveli wrote: »
    I got hit with this back in December. I know for a fact I didn't click anything to sign up as I was at my desk in work not using the phone when the SMS came through about the trial, unfortunately I didn't read it correctly and got distracted by a colleague. Sure enough the following day I got hit for €20.

    Opened a complaint on their website and head nothing back for 3 weeks. Eventually I escalated to Comreg and Red27 finally got back to me to advise the charges were legit and I signed up to the service. I had a huge amount of back and forth but finally got them to provide the information regarding the signup.

    They sent over a screenshot showing the timestamp, IP address of the request, Referral link and mobile device info. I could see straight away that the click through was from the Fortnite App (don't have this installed) and the IOS version didn't match (request came from a device on 12.1.2 and I've been on 13+ since the dev beta in June). I tracked the IP to the 3 network, which is correct. Contacted 3 to confirm if the IP was associated with my account on the date in question and they informed it was not.

    Finally got a refund out of them once I went back with all the info. I suspect that they are buying batches of numbers from somewhere and signing them up on a batch of devices. I forwarded all the info on to com reg and asked them to investigate as despite getting a refund, I know I didn't sign up for it. Don't expect much to be done tho :rolleyes: I've since removed all premium SMS from my account, I can go without the competitions.

    Armed with that evidence surely you can now go to An Garda Síochána and report this as fraud. You have evidence proving your device did not sign up to this service and they signed you up for a service without your knowledge.


  • #44
    bluemachaveli
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,743 ✭✭✭bluemachaveli


    whiterebel wrote: »
    Fair play for questioning it to that level. You could see why people wouldn’t bother. My son has now been hit twice in the last couple of months.

    It's a nightmare, I got off light to be fair. With €20 is was more the principle than anything. I'm usually pretty careful with scam links. The timing is what got me, I barely had time to pick up my phone that day not to mind arse around with games and links.
    Ten Pin wrote: »
    Could they explain how they got your number or is it based on the IP address alone? And was it an internal or external IP address?

    Wonder are they harvesting IP addresses and submitting them on following days resulting in someone else getting scammed. If that's what's happening then 3 are assisting the PRS provider by not checking for a confirmation text which AFAIK the PRS provider must receive before they can start charging.

    Did you have to use GDPR to get access to the details from 3 and Red27?

    The IP was logged on their end. I figured they would have to record it somewhere along the line and was pretty certain it wouldn't be mine. It was an external 3 IP, I reckon they are just running a **** ton of numbers through from some sort of IOS device and hoping it sticks.

    They claim they got my number from my 'signup' to their service. The refund they eventually sent was a 'gesture of goodwill' so they won't admit fault.

    I threatened them with GDPR to get the info they provided. Three were cool and confirmed that the IP wasn't associated with my account after I passed the usual verification checks. It's a pity they can't tell me who it did belong to.

    This is what they sent me over, don't mind sharing as it's not my info:
    500612.png
    Grab All Association wrote: »
    Armed with that evidence surely you can now go to An Garda Síochána and report this as fraud. You have evidence proving your device did not sign up to this service and they signed you up for a service without your knowledge.

    I guess that would be an option, not sure how far it would go. I might chance it if I get no satisfaction from Com Reg. By right they should be looking into this crap. I'd love to see how much money they exploit from people. They chanced every sort of a refund from €7.50 to €15 hoping I'd go away and they could keep some few quid for nothing.


  • #45
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,850 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    Comreg's Code of Practice for Premium Rate Services lists the rules to be followed by the PRS providers.

    Search "Comreg 14/45" to download it (less than 1MB filesize).

    The relevant sections seem to be 5.15 to 5.18
    5.15 Subscription Request Messages must follow the format of the
    example provided below:

    SUBSCRIPTION REQUEST MESSAGE
    To subscribe to [name of service and optional description] for [signup cost] and [cost of service in €] per [billing frequency - message received/time] and confirm that you are over 18 yrs, text AGREE [or other unique keyword for the service] to Short Code 5XXXX.

    5.16 Immediately upon a PRS Provider receiving an AGREE response     to a
    Subscription Request Message, and before any charges are incurred by the end-user, the PRS provider must send a standard, dedicated, SMS Subscription Confirmation Message as per Sections 5.17 and 5.18 to the mobile phone number that responded to the Subscription Request Message at no charge to the end-user

    5.17 A Subscription Confirmation Message must clearly:
    (a) commence with the phrase "Free Message" or "Free Msg" in the SMS
    header or as the first words in the body of the text,
    (b) confirm that the end-user has entered into a Subscription Service,
    (c) include the name of the Subscription Service,
    (d) include details of the PRS Provider's helpline,
    (e) include any sign-up cost,
    (f) include the basis for calculating charges including any:
    (i) charges for each message received,
    (ii) charges for each message sent, and
    (iii) charge per charge period and that charge period,
    (g) include details of how to unsubscribe from the service by
    sending/replying "STOP" to the short code which is used to charge end-users of the service.

    5.18 Subscription Confirmation Messages must follow the format of the example
    provided below:
    NOTE: any link (url) or promotion may only be provided after
    the regulatory information set out in Section 5.17 above

    SUBSCRIPTION CONFIRMATION MESSAGE
    You have subscribed to [name of service and optional description] for [sign-up costs] and [cost of service in €] per [billing frequency - message received/time] until you send STOP to [originating service short code]. Helpline [not more than national rate phone number]. [Any URL that the PRS providers wishes]

    The main condition is that they have to receive an AGREE SMS before charging but the PRS providers appear to just bypass that requirement but Comreg still give them a licence to operate.


  • #46
    STB.
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,380 ✭✭✭STB.


    Service providers should be required to opt customers out of premium service numbers BY DEFAULT, rather than the other way around.

    The vast majority of this messing wouldn't arise otherwise.

    Consumers came last when this was initially implemented. They also came last in thinking in allowing it continue. Comreg have consumer responsibilities.

    How many complaints have been received by Comreg in relation to premium text services is the only question that need to be asked by journalists to get the ball rolling.


  • #47
    Morrisseeee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,146 ✭✭✭Morrisseeee


    My daughter's phone bill (on GOMO) shot up from €10pm to €17.50 last month.
    After some investigating I discovered 3 * 57976 texts @ €2.50 each. She said she didn't subscribe to anything !
    Q. Do I just block the number or what can be done?
    Who gets the money ? do GOMO pass it on to owners of 57976 ? I wonder do the phone operators get a cut of it as well !!


  • #48
    Ten Pin
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,850 ✭✭✭Ten Pin


    Contact Gomo to put a bar on all premium rate services, do that ASAP.

    You'll have to chase the sender of the SMS to get a refund, lots of threads between Consumer and Mobile forums that may give some guidance on how to proceed.

    Find out who the sender is and insist on a refund.


  • #49
    larry2020
    Registered Users Posts: 11 ✭larry2020


    Guys
    I noticed a charge of 39 euros on my mobile bill for sms messages
    Eir refused to take them off my bill but agreed to block premium messages from my account in future
    I complained to Comreg and they gave me the company name that owned the service. They gave me the name of Mobiplanet who gave me another company called Txtnation.
    So you see I am getting the runaround
    I am waiting for a reply and refund from latter company.


  • #50
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    Funnily enough I know someone with a Samsung GT button phone since 2010 on Tesco who received a similar one of these texts during the weekend. How can they explain that one when the phone has non connectivity at all? I’ve told them to go report this to An Garda Síochána


  • #51
    Grab All Association
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,921 ✭✭✭Grab All Association


    If anyone gets hit by this service please go to Gardai. With enough complaints they’ll then have an obligation investigate it. Gone way past Comreg responsibilities now if they are just inputting random numbers. It’s fraud


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