MySwag.org The Off-road Camper Trailer Forum

General => General Discussion => Topic started by: Bird on January 01, 2016, 10:43:04 PM

Title: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 01, 2016, 10:43:04 PM
I've started getting these SMS's saying I've signed up for some Shit at $10 a week.... I've not signed up for jack Shit!

Then I get one saying I've spent over $30.00 so far... WTF???????????????????????????????

Apparently some people have found out that by accidently opening an advert on their phone this has been considered "accepted" by this company as you saying YES CHARGE ME ??? ??? ???

Some people have been charged over 150 on this scam through their Telstra bill...
https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Billing-Payments/Unauthorised-third-party-charges-on-my-mobile-bill/td-p/351769 (https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Billing-Payments/Unauthorised-third-party-charges-on-my-mobile-bill/td-p/351769)


Apparently Telstra don't give a Shit --> https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Billing-Payments/Premium-Carrier-Billing/m-p/445487 (https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/Billing-Payments/Premium-Carrier-Billing/m-p/445487)

Has anyone else has a MOBIDOL SMS?? I've got 5 of them now and unsure what to do

Im concerned about "Opting out by SMSing 19789080 or 1300654898" as that sounds like a $50/SMS number or some further scam...

Looking at this list, there appears to be many doing this sort of Shit judging by the list...
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/moreonyourmobile/manageyourcontent (https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/moreonyourmobile/manageyourcontent)


Thoughts?
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 01, 2016, 10:56:01 PM
Googling  I've found there are 100's being scammed

"We have been charged in excess of $4000 over the past 2+ years and Telstra apparently can't help apart from blocking future purchases
I'm beyond angry and the more I read the more stories I find that this is a very commen occurance.
Currently engaging with ACCC and the media to see what we can do"
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 01, 2016, 11:05:09 PM
http://www.19sms.com.au/19-service-results (http://www.19sms.com.au/19-service-results)

Bit more info

19 Service Finder - Results

Premium Number:
 19789080

Service Provider:
 Digital Turbine

Campaign name:
 Mobidol

Campaign type:
 Subscription

Campaign start Date:
 25/05/2015

Campaign end Date:
 31/12/2100

Campaign Description:
 This is an Optout shortcode used purely to facilitate SMS MO Optout for the Mobidol Direct Billing Service. The shortcode will not be used to facilitate billing or signup in any way. Mobidol is a subscription service that costs $9.99 per week and entitles you to five of the latest chart ringtones per week and unlimited access to exclusive online games.

You pay for sending a TXT message to this service:
 $0.25

You pay for receiving a TXT message from this service(*):
 $0.00

Note 1
 (*)some TXT messages sent to users may be exempt from charging. Please pay attention to details in the message

Cust Care Phone No:
 1300724406
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: iggy3860 on January 01, 2016, 11:20:14 PM
I had a similar issue not too long ago. I ignored the first two, unsolicited sms [same time each week] & eventually texted "STOP" after I got two on the one day. When I queried my bill with Telstra [almost $30 more than usual], they assured me that they were legitimate "third party" charges & as such were "valid". I checked my call log & found out the following:

The sms were from a 1900 number. When I checked that number it was to an Australian based company which has an online presence. However the "STOP" sms I sent went to a UK based company. When I sent a query about the unsolicited sms the reply was along the lines that I had an account but it was no longer active...maybe because I had stopped it  ??? This reply however was from a company specialising in third party IT/customer support.

When you look at how this was set up it is rather clever. An offshore company 'advises' an Australian based company that I have an account with them & they send me an sms & Telstra the 'third party' charges which they duly levee. If Telstra were to check they would be directed to the IT/customer support company which also has been told of my 'valid' account. The IT/customer support company said I would have received an sms to which I would have to positively respond ie "YES" which registers my number with the provider's company. They would have them sent a follow-up sms again to which I would have to positively respond...a double opt-in system.

I went through my call log from the week prior to the first unsolicited sms & identified all known numbers. I was able to clearly show that the double opt-in sms did not occur. However it was only my persistence that Telstra waived the third party charges. I have subsequently barred the premium sms service.

I know it is a pain but unfortunately this is what you have to do when dealing with a large organisation such as Telstra. Whenever you talk to them get a call ID & the name of the person to whom you spoke. If ot all gets too hard there is always the ombudsman
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Foo on January 02, 2016, 05:20:40 AM
Yep same problem and the send you the notice the day after they have already charged you. Three times so far I've been stung by getting rid of one of those adds!  >:D

Ring the 1800 or 1900 number and cancel straight away.  ;)

Foo
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: geopaj on January 02, 2016, 05:47:31 AM
I'm no expert but I'd be also contacting your provide (Telstra?) ASAP to cancel the "3rd party bill consent" (if there's such a thing), and to request/demand that the fees are not passed on to you.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: D4D on January 02, 2016, 06:04:07 AM
Looking at this list, there appears to be many doing this sort of Shit judging by the list...
https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/moreonyourmobile/manageyourcontent (https://www.telstra.com.au/mobile-phones/moreonyourmobile/manageyourcontent)

Did you follow the advice in that post re calling and getting a case manager?
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Jackdawg on January 02, 2016, 06:39:35 AM
Had the same issue a few years ago. Telstra couldn't give a toss. You have to ring them and get the service disabled. Virtually every other carrier has it disabled by default, but not Telstra, they wouldn't want to miss their cut.

I got charged 90 bucks for it. I didnt even know it was happening until my normal bill was way higher than usual.  All Telstra would do is provide me with a phone number to complain to that was supposedly the contact number for the company involved. all I ever got was a recorded message, never a real person.

Rang Telstra back and said I had not authorised the costs, I had not signed up (I had a nokia 3310 at the time, so no MMS capability anyway!). They refused. I said you sure about that, I have been a loyal customer for more than 20 years? They said they would do nothing for me. I said fair enough, that's your call.

So I proceeded to move all my family mobile phones (3 kids phones under my name as well as my own personal and work phones) and my house phone and my internet service to other suppliers. Their refusal to sort out $90 worth of fees I did not incur cost them probably over $2k a year in business, been at least 5 years now, so 10k and counting.

I will never do business with Telstra again. They rang me several times asking me why I left and all I did was say you know perfectly well why, you ripped me off by $90.  All sorts of pleas and deals offered to get me back, but never a refund of the $90.......
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 02, 2016, 09:16:22 AM
Quote from: D4D
Did you follow the advice in that post re calling and getting a case manager?
only found the info last night at nort o'clock...

Will go around in circles and smash my head against a wall today
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: plusnq on January 02, 2016, 09:50:22 AM
It is Telstra. There is probably many walls in place sadly.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Wazza999 on January 02, 2016, 10:05:59 AM
Known to the ACCC who advise contacting your phone company. Referencing the accc in calling might also make the telco call centre take some notice?  https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/buying-or-selling/mobile-premium-services. (https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/types-of-scams/buying-or-selling/mobile-premium-services.) The click through tests of  how many squares can you see in these matches etc. etc. are almost always one of these. A friend was fanged a small amount as he realised what he had done as soon as he had clicked through and provided a phone number.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: gronk on January 02, 2016, 11:37:27 AM
Had this happen a few yrs ago....finally got it sorted ( and bill waived ) after many calls to Telstra..

When calling Telstra, say to the computer generated thing " complaint "...it will divert you to an Australian based person who can usually talk english..

A lot of this stuff happens because the telcos "legally" sell your details to 3rd party mobs.....it took me a long time to finally get someone to say over the phone that this sort of thing is unethical...and this person was the one that finally agreed to refund ( in credit ) my loss to a mob that msg me and all I did wrong was to ignore the msg instead of sending stop.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: D4D on January 02, 2016, 12:12:26 PM
When calling Telstra, say to the computer generated thing " complaint "...it will divert you to an Australian based person who can usually talk english..

Or 'cancel service' will generally get you into an AU call centre.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: gronk on January 02, 2016, 01:21:46 PM
Or 'cancel service' will generally get you into an AU call centre.

I tried swearing once....the computer thing didn't like it !!   ;D ;D
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: GeoffA on January 02, 2016, 02:27:04 PM
I tried swearing once....the computer thing didn't like it !!   ;D ;D

Our "I'm from Vindows" friends over on the sub-continent don't like it either.....
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Patr80l on January 03, 2016, 10:14:54 AM
I lost a small amount many years ago; less than $10.   I suggested to Telstra that as the billing is in their name, that have some responsibility.   The service and the money passes through them, like a retailer.   I think I also threatened them with the ombudsman.   
One piece of advice.   Replying with "Stop" wont work.   It has to be "STOP" ::)
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: db on January 03, 2016, 11:09:00 AM
I had a similar experience early in 2015, it took a while on the phone with Telstra, but I had the service stopped, all money refunded and the 'premium' SMS service disabled on my account. I just told Telstra that I didn't authorise the service.

Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: prodigyrf on January 03, 2016, 11:21:35 AM
If you get the runaround with the usual CSRs then the CEO invites Telstra customers to go online and get it sorted here-
https://www.telstra.com.au/webforms/contact-ceo/index.cfm (https://www.telstra.com.au/webforms/contact-ceo/index.cfm)
You give the drones a couple of chances to fix it (I like smartchat avenues to keep a record) and then you kick it upstairs until you get someoene who has the power to sort it. That's one of the advantages we have in small biz cos the buck stops with me (actually the lad now  ;D )
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: arjay on January 03, 2016, 09:39:34 PM
Had a similar problem with Optus and a "premium" service.
Rang and suggested that it was Optus' problem - and after 5 mins I suggested that if they couldn't fix it - I would follow up with the telecommunications Ombudsman.
They decided to credit me all the costs to date :D
Apparently it costs the telco's  to answer to the ombudsman.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Black Diamond on January 03, 2016, 10:00:23 PM
Yep been stung for $80. Will give Telstra a nice little call tomorrow  >:D
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: prodigyrf on January 03, 2016, 11:11:02 PM
Those 'How to get a monster phallus in 5 days' adverts get em every time  ;D
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Goose on January 05, 2016, 11:40:10 AM
Does anyone know if these scams require you to enter your mobile number on a webpage page, or do these pages just detect your mobile number automatically and then take your use of the page as acceptance?

Thinking that perhaps changing your mobile number might get you out of any further charges... or alternatively switching to prepaid if you're out of contract and not having any credit.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: gronk on January 05, 2016, 11:52:00 AM
Does anyone know if these scams require you to enter your mobile number on a webpage page, or do these pages just detect your mobile number automatically and then take your use of the page as acceptance?

Thinking that perhaps changing your mobile number might get you out of any further charges... or alternatively switching to prepaid if you're out of contract and not having any credit.

They have your mobile number because your telco sold your information to a 3rd party.....so THEY gave your number to them.

These "unethical" mobs then send you a text promising some sort of rubbish, but if you don't reply with a STOP, they take that as a yes to "sign" up to their scam.....and payments thru your telco will start.

All above board and supposedly legal.....but UNETHICAL.

I had many arguments with Telstra about it....even got them to finally admit to selling MY details and admit to charging MY account for a scam that they were a party to.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: D4D on January 05, 2016, 01:14:30 PM
These "unethical" mobs then send you a text promising some sort of rubbish, but if you don't reply with a STOP, they take that as a yes to "sign" up to their scam.....and payments thru your telco will start.

All above board and supposedly legal.....but UNETHICAL.

Actually there is supposed to be a double opt-in text message before being registered as a billing.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: BigJules on January 05, 2016, 01:56:16 PM
Got something similar two weeks ago. I contacted Telstra and they were helpful. I stayed on hold whilst they rang and ensured my "subscription" was cancelled, got another SMS from dodgy game co confirming unsub.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: time on January 05, 2016, 02:09:05 PM
Is this only done through 1900 numbers?

I have 1900 Premium service numbers barred for both incoming and outgoing, never had any issues as described in this thread, maybe barring Premium services is the way to go?
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 05, 2016, 03:21:57 PM
Quote from: Lord Muck
Cust Care Phone No: 1300724406

So I called them up... and spoke with a Daniel - in Australia ???

He is arranging the refund in the next 2 billing cycles, but I should get a SMS from Telstra in the next 3 business days.

I asked how I signed up for this, and apparently its an agreement that these ****s have with Telstra, and its aan app on your phone.

When I asked what app so I can remove it, he said it can pop up anywhere anytime. ??? WTF?

The only way to stop it is cancel premium services.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: gronk on January 05, 2016, 03:49:14 PM


I asked how I signed up for this, and apparently its an agreement that these ****s have with Telstra,

Because Telstra sold them your details. Telstra make their cut out of the bill.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Fizzie on January 06, 2016, 10:49:09 AM
The only way to stop it is cancel premium services.

& I've done that yonks back on all 4 of our phones & still, about every 3 weeks or so, I get messages from T about barring premium 1900 services. Have checked &  confirmed that they're all barred, so why are they still asking if we want to bar them  ???
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Green rv on January 06, 2016, 02:03:45 PM
i had the same problem last year i think it was called fishpond.
no matter how hard we tried fishpond would never respond to any form of contact with them.
after losing over $300 to fishpond,we finally got an australian telstra call center and fixed it then and there.

this is a BS scam and should be outlawed quick smart
all i wanted to do is find the server and burn it down

 :cheers:
Adam 
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: db on January 06, 2016, 02:05:48 PM
I believe its an ad in an app, and some of the ads you only have to accidentally touch or swipe (or your kids do) and lo and behold you have signed up. Telstra refunded my money pretty readily and barred the premium numbers. I guess for them its a numbers game...
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on January 06, 2016, 02:19:06 PM
Quote from: Green rv
this is a BS scam and should be outlawed quick smart

x willions.... I just don't understand how it CAN be legal....
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: D4D on January 14, 2016, 08:20:56 AM
I've come across another attack vector for this, good old Facebook. Appears they're scraping profiles for mobile phone numbers. Make sure you have your privacy settings locked down...
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Foo on January 14, 2016, 08:30:58 AM
I had another three turn up this week!  >:( Seems to happen when I go out riding and reach around to pull the phone out of my pocket but haven't been able to figure out what I'm hitting for this to happen.  >:D

Foo
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on June 09, 2016, 09:37:49 AM
Now people at work are getting stung.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on June 09, 2016, 09:56:59 AM
http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/telstra-customers-fuming-after-being-caught-up-in-mobile-billing-scam/news-story/8a08d59e6ab88cc96a9452fa1efca8f5 (http://www.news.com.au/technology/gadgets/mobile-phones/telstra-customers-fuming-after-being-caught-up-in-mobile-billing-scam/news-story/8a08d59e6ab88cc96a9452fa1efca8f5)
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: jetcrew on June 09, 2016, 10:42:54 AM
Pay your bill minus the 3rd party charges .. If Telstra are not the biller they can not attempt recovery of the funds the 3rd party will need to do that and inv you directly . They will then need to prove everything .

Telstra can't own the debt can they so once it's not paid they can't do squat can they as they did not provide any services they just billed on behalf of a 3rd party . The 3rd party is the alleged service provider so it's then thier responsibity to. Chase it up and prove the monies are owed to them .

Would be court for me , shame on Telstra for allowing 1 touch acceptance .. It's the scam of the century imho and makes them no better  than any other fraudsters .
Pity we need them

I am on hold barring premium services right now .

Jet ;D
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Beachman on June 09, 2016, 12:16:04 PM
I am with Internode so I just googled how to stop this service and surprisingly found this. So I’m happy

By default, Premium SMS and Content services are disabled on NodeMobile. If you wish to use these types of services, you will need to contact us on 1300 304 718.

If you enable Premium SMS and Content services, a monthly credit limit of $25 will apply. Usage alerts will be sent via SMS and email at 80% and 100%, with the specific charge type barred at 100%.


Billing data is not received instantly by Internode after usage has occurred, and can be delayed by 2-3 days. This delay means that spend limits can be out of date by the time they are applied. It's important to be aware that you remain responsible for charges due to usage beyond the spend limit.

Introduction to Premium SMS and Content Services

Premium SMS services tend to consist of either fairly harmless 'voting' services, or fairly expensive subscription services that regularly send you content. The latter may also include multi-media messages (MMS), ringtones, wallpapers, and the like.

These services usually start with the number '19', and are provided by third parties. The cost of each message that is sent and/or received can vary from 55 cents through to $6.60!

Premium mobile services are billed to your mobile account, and appear on your NodeMobile bill - though Internode is not the provider of these services
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: speewa158 on June 09, 2016, 12:38:53 PM
l had 41 junk emails in the bin last night . lf l had answered them for only $4 l could have received $305K from 4 different parties . Financial  security is assured  or so l am told . l can also have a life time of good times with the Viagra, introduction agencies , $$  coming my way  O Happy Days
                     What could possibly go wrong ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,?
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: briann532 on June 09, 2016, 04:01:11 PM
I had it happen a few times and Telstra we useless, so in the end I refused to pay any further bills till they sorted it out.
Took 5 months, then they wanted me to pay late fees on my bills and overdue charges.
I offered to give my story to the ombudsman and the papers and they offered me a credit to the same amount once I had paid it.
I said to give the credit first, and obviously they wouldn't.
Stalemate so I rang back and asked to cancel my phones and internet and go to another provider who wouldn't be such an ass.
They told me  I had to pay all the bills first. I said no and I had the evidence that I tried to sort it out and they didn't so if they report me to a creditor or list me as un paid, I'd call the ombudsman.
They asked me to provide it for them and when I said no they couldn't help me. I told them I had all the enquiry reference numbers so go for it and good luck.
They agreed to wipe all bills and start afresh.
 ;D ;D ;D
If they had of just done their job in the first place!!!!

Dealing with Telstra is hopeless. Can't wait till there is a decent alternative where I live!!!
Brian
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on June 09, 2016, 04:07:12 PM
Quote from: briann532
Dealing with Telstra is hopeless. Can't wait till there is a decent alternative where I live!!!
They will go toes up if that ever happened.
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: SambOz on June 09, 2016, 06:10:37 PM
Those 'How to get a monster phallus in 5 days' adverts get em every time  ;D

Mate (Timmy) spent heaps on this, they sent him very strong spectacles .....lol
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: fuji on June 09, 2016, 10:31:06 PM
Bruce
Had same issues and raised hell with Telstra well the missus did. I sent email to Ombudsman. All fixed. And refunded.
jack
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Bird on July 27, 2016, 01:14:11 PM
More Shit...
+61421267439

Getting SMS' from this # and when I call the mobile # from my office phone, its not available or not in a mobile area.

The R&R meeting has been cancelled for Today..
 Angela will notify the date and time for the next R&R meeting. Sorry for any inconvenience. Sipika
 Out-out reply STOP


Scammers... Never heard of any of this crap or Angela or Spik
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: Wukkers on July 27, 2016, 03:53:07 PM
There was an article in the paper here yesterday about a Russian socialite (aka turd) who is living in WA and facing 60 years in jail in the USA for running a similar or perhaps identical scam over there and in Aust.  Seems the US have laws against it.  Full story available at https://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/wa/a/32144210/socialite-zhenya-tsvetnenko-faces-us-fraud-case/#page1
Title: Re: Unknown SMS saying I've signed up
Post by: plusnq on July 28, 2016, 06:09:52 AM
Bird, Now you know where he lives 😄