On Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:32:48 +0100, Martin <not-for-mail@example.com>
wrote:

>Allan Gould wrote:
>> Martin wrote:
>>> I'm about to complain about a premium rate SMS spam from 78181. So it
>>> would be useful to know how many other people have received this.
>>
>> Not that it's much use now, but:
>> a) register the number with the TPS (but UK only)
>
>Yes - did that ages ago - but the spammers don't seem to respect it.
>
>> b) if Orange can't do it, move to a telco that will allow you to block
>> incoming premium SMS (T-Mobile seem to have this functionality)
>
>Just spoke to a woman at Orange Customer Services, who refunded the
>charge after some discussion. However, it was the potential for far
>larger losses that concerned me. She was unable to place a bar on my
>account to block premium rate text services. She did place a bar on
>premium rate calls, but she warned me that this would not stop premium
>text services.
>
>She suggested that I text STOP ALL to the short code number on the bill.
> I replied that since they'd already charged me £1.50 for one
>unsolicited text, I didn't trust them to respect a STOP ALL message: if
>they really were offshore fraudsters, then a STOP ALL message would
>merely confirm that my number was live, possibly resulting in a flood of
>chargeable messages.
>
>The handset is unlocked, so I will seriously consider moving to
>T-Mobile. It will be a shame to close my Orange OVP Virgin account
>though, as it's a tariff you can't get any more. I might try writing to
>the Orange Customer Services Director first - though I don't know which
>office such correspondence should go to.
>
>Thanks!!
>
>- Martin.

Don't take it lying down - make a fuss like I did with O2.

I queried a £1.50 charge on my bill with customer services. They said
I should text STOP back. I said NO WAY am I paying to stop something
I didn't request. I told them to check my records for proof that I'd
done anything to request a premium rate text, and added that without
that proof, they were complicit in fraud.

I got a refund immediately, and oddly enough have not received the
like ever since.

Neil

(Reply via NG please)