Ever since I got my on crib, I made myself develop a habit of always checking my bills and reviewing it before submitting any payment. Its always been a good practice to know what you're paying for. I was surprise to know that I've been charged an additional $9.99 for service I didn't even sign up for.
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| http://www.scambook.com/report/view/52293/Bune-LLC-False-Advertising-for-9.99-on-12-13-2011 |
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| http://www.smswatchdog.com/text-message-from/77050/2 |
1st message: "2468-Enter this on the website to continue MobChance IQ Fun Facts 18668611606 $9.99/mo. Msg&Data Rates May Apply. Reply HELP for help."
2nd message: "Mobchance: Welcome to IQ! For HELP call 18668611606 $9.99/mo. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Msg&Data Rates May Apply."
I remembered I was confused when I got the message since I don't recall signing up for it. I thought it was just one of the spam text from my network provider. So I replied STOP thinking that will be the end of it and received a confirmation message for it.
"This msg confirms that u have discontinued and will no longer receive messages or charges for this service. Go to iq.mobchance.com to rejoin the service."
Realizing there's a big chance I've been scammed, I then contacted my phone provider . They promised me a refund for next month's bill and blocked the service.
Its frustrating to know that this kind of thing happens beyond your control. I asked them why they didn't block this service beforehand and can't their security detect scam services like this. The only answer I got from them is that,
"It is unavoidable since its up to the consumer on which site to go and what to download."
Though I understand what they meant (since I've used that line before in my previous job) still it annoyed me! In my point of view, its like a subtle way of trying to tell me it was my fault why I got charged in the first place. I informed them that as far as I'm concerned the only time I access the net is to connect to Facebook, check my balance online, watch videos on YouTube, and download free applications from the Android Market such as Skype, Adobe, and games (AngryBird).
They said when they look up my account I've signed in a horoscope service and that triggered the premium service that's why I was charged $9.99. It was so frustrating knowing this since I know I didn't sign up for anything. Its scary on how you can be a victim by scammers without realizing it unless you keep track of your expenses.
>,<
But then again all I can say is,
Damn those phone scammers!! Shame on them...!
I know just how you feel. I've been tricked into subscribing to an online dating site before when all I did was browse through their website. I did click on pop-ups but as far as I remember, those were only agreements about being more than 18 years old. I guess it's somewhere hidden in the terms and agreements part, which, let me point out, is in a fine print.
ReplyDeleteSo I got charged every time I get a text from the number. When I found out and disputed the charge, it didn't work out. I agreed with condition on the the website and thus, they were "authorized" to charge me.
By the way, I reported the phone number to the consumer complaint site http://www.callercenter.com and guess what? 16 other people posted a complaint against the company, too.
DeleteIsn't there anything about this the government can do? I've reported this to FTC already.