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Surprised by Premium Text Message Charges?

Discussion in 'GENERAL Wireless Discussion' started by MrConsumer, Aug 9, 2006.

  1. MrConsumer

    MrConsumer New Member

    Joined:
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    Hi...

    I am trying to find consumers (for an article and to help change consumer disclosure regulations, not for a lawsuit) who have been hit with unexpected premium text messaging charges on their cell bill after having texted in votes on a TV talent or entertainment show, or after responding to a TV ad to get daily jokes, dating tips, wallpaper, Big Brother updates, etc.

    Here's the issue: while American Idol offered free text voting for your favorite, many other shows charge a fee, usually 49 cents to 99 cents per vote. The extra fee (in addition to usual carrier charges) is often only disclosed in fine print and not always orally disclosed in each ad. Some of the charges are actually for a subscription service to daily tips, and can run a dollar a day, $30 a month, or $5.99 (in the case of Big Brother diaries).

    Have you been hit with surprise charges? What do you think about the practice of not clearly disclosing the extra charges on TV?

    Thanks!
    MrConsumer
     
    #1 MrConsumer, Aug 9, 2006
  2. walkguru

    walkguru Wireless Guru
    Senior Member

    Joined:
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    My Phone:
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    yeah i had it happen to me, the dirty :censored: dogs :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: :censored: .
     
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    #2 walkguru, Aug 9, 2006
  3. AshRae84

    AshRae84 ...Formerly YourDream84
    Senior Member

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    Location:
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    Wirelessly posted (SonyEricssonZ520a/R3F Browser/SEMC-Browser/4.2 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 UP.Link/6.3.0.0.0)

    The only thing Ive subscribed to is Big Brother, but I dont really think you can complain about it, after the initial message you send to subscribe, they return with a message notifying you of the price and ask you to respond with a Y or N whether you wanted to opt in or not.
     
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    #3 AshRae84, Aug 9, 2006
  4. MrConsumer

    MrConsumer New Member

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    Hi...

    Did you know before you called that there was a $5.99 per month charge? (There are industry rules about how premium services are supposed to be advertised... and whether or not they later disclose the price is a separate issue.)

    Thanks,
    MrConsumer
     
    #4 MrConsumer, Aug 10, 2006
  5. rwsrichard

    rwsrichard Guest

    I for one, do not respond to those stupid GIMMICKS.

    Sorry 'bout that.
     
    #5 rwsrichard, Aug 10, 2006
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