Sunday, 26 June 2016

Beware “premium SMS”



Credit: androidslots.co.uk/

Happened across this on Whirlpool:

“Hi all recently I've noticed that occasionally when I open an app, I'm greeted with a static advertisement that can be closed with a small x on the top right, just prior the app actually opening. The ad is usually for some mobile game.

“Does anybody know how to remove this?


See the original at: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=2540738

And then this:

“Briefly I had been charged “third party charges” by Telstra. Apparently I had “subscribed” to something that would cost me $X to send a message to them, but it would cost me $XXX when the send a message to me. $XXX being much more than $X. I am still tyring to figure out what is their “standard” charge. I have 5 lots of $5 charge for 2 days in May, and more to come next month. The provider is MBLOX PTY LTD. Does anyone know them or have similar experience?”

See the original at: https://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/1925467

Seemed like something to avoid, so I Googled, “Mobidol ads”.

Found this on a service provider, “Crowdsupport”, forum: https://crowdsupport.telstra.com.au/t5/General-Mobiles/Mobidol/td-p/530835

No encouragement there. Or here: https://community.giffgaff.com/t5/Help-Support/Mobidol-scam/td-p/14947371

Or here: https://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/blogs/2015/july/citizens-advice-scams-awareness-month

Lots of unhappy draftees here: https://twitter.com/hashtag/mobidol

What can you do?
● avoid

● have your service provider bar, “premium SMS” – you may have to phone them – many service providers have an app which allows this to be set

/ scam Mobidol text SMS premium service Telstra Optus fraud fraudulent bill for these charges charged third party purchases phone kids must have accidentally done something bill phone received no messages from this company history billing us for absolutely nothing Telstra deduct these amounts off your bill websites complaints scam notices 1800 number mblox pty ltd bill Telstra locking premium SMS crap ALL mobile cell phones lodging complaint TIO Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman ombudsman /