SCAM ALERT: Text Messages That Cost You!

BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU
of WESTERN MICHIGAN, INC

CONSUMER ALERT

News Release #20120119
Issued: 01-19-2012
Contact: Phil Catlett, President
Email: bbbpresident@iserv.net
616.774.8236 - 800.684.3222
www.bbb.org

TEXT MESSAGES
THAT COST YOU!

Recently there have been reports of unwanted SMS (Short Message Service) texts showing up on cell phones, and the recipient being billed for them. Here’s one exactly as received:

From: 99716 TXTALTSNOW:You?ll receive Entertnmnt Alts.$9.99/mo billed to cell; 3 msg /wk. Reply HELP for help, STOP to cancel. Msg&Data rates may apply.

In one case the recipient didn’t reply, but filed them away. The Sprint bill arrived with 5 separate charges for $9.99ea. Sprint, when called, helpfully blocked the associated SMS numbers and cancelled the charges.

For ID purposes:

• Statements had different SMS addresses 60822, 55033, 36713 and 99716.
• These appear to originate from something named “Silicon Investments”.

A line item in the bill looked like this :

Silicon Investments:Alerts-55033_Gosspitext_ALT-12/23…..$9.99

Digging afterwards at www.smswatchdog.com and running SMS text address 99716 through the system, it appeared from the consumer input that:

1. The SMS texts began in December and have continued into 2012.
2. Many people are getting hit
3. It’s happening to multiple carrier services (Sprint, AT&T, etc)
4. Replying STOP is a waste of keystrokes, you still get charged
5. Best way to combat it : Call your mobile service ASAP and dispute the charges.

Equipment affected: The cell phone does not have to be a Smart Phone. It simply must be able to receive texts..

About BBB

The regional Better Business Bureau of Western Michigan services 38 counties in western Michigan. Our office is located in the Trust Building, 40 Pearl ST NW STE 354, Grand Rapids MI 49503. 616.774.8236 (Voice) 616.774.2014 (Fax) 800.684.3222 (Toll Free west Michigan ONLY).

The BBB is an unbiased non-profit organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Businesses that earn BBB accreditation contractually agree and adhere to the organization’s high standards of ethical business behavior. The BBB provides objective advice, free business BBB Business Reviews, charity BBB Wise Giving Reports^TM, and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. To further promote trust, the BBB offers complaint and dispute resolution support for consumers and businesses when there is difference in viewpoints. The first BBB was founded in 1912. Today, 116 BBBs serve communities across the U.S. and Canada, evaluating and monitoring more than three million local and national businesses and charities. Please visit www.bbb.org for more information about BBB.

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