charges on bill that were not requested

[supergirl123]

I just received my latest Verizon bill with 3 "Data" charges that I did not (to my knowledge) request. I am a senior citizen and feel that I have been taken advantage of by these companies.They are: #1 Send me mobile #2 Fun Mobil and #3 Topic text.com. Somehow these 3 managed to connect to my service and I have been charged. $9.99 each. The Fun Mobil said that Verizon could remove he charges, the rest had nothing to say. I really feel that all these charges should be removed (i.e.credited) from my current bill.

I have contacted Verizon and they have blocked any future access, but no offer to credit. Having been a Verizon customer for many years I do feel that I should not have to pay for these 3 charges.

[crimedoggies]

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supergirl123 wrote:

I just received my latest Verizon bill with 3 "Data" charges that I did not (to my knowledge) request. I am a senior citizen and feel that I have been taken advantage of by these companies.They are: #1 Send me mobile #2 Fun Mobil and #3 Topic text.com. Somehow these 3 managed to connect to my service and I have been charged. $9.99 each. The Fun Mobil said that Verizon could remove he charges, the rest had nothing to say. I really feel that all these charges should be removed (i.e.credited) from my current bill.

I have contacted Verizon and they have blocked any future access, but no offer to credit. Having been a Verizon customer for many years I do feel that I should not have to pay for these 3 charges.

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The charges you describe are for what is known as Premium SMS.  The Premium SMS system is  a way for third party providers to bill you through your cellular phone account.  Most often the charges are related to some kind of application such as a ring tone purchase app, gaming app or other such features that you have accessed either on your phone or on your computer at home.  The charges are not actually Verizon's, they are merely being billed by Verizon on behalf of the third party provider.  To obtain credit for the charges you actually have to speak to the provider of the service.  Typically Verizon lists the toll free contact number of the provider below the description of the charge on your bill.  I have Premium SMS blocked on ALL of my phone lines.  In my view there is never a reason I would give a third party provider permission to bill me for any service through my cell bill, particularly when you consider that in some instances these charges are reoccurring.

[budone]

In addition, there are apps on Facebook and other sites (such as IQ knowledge, horoscopes and other entertainment sites) that if you agree to use those sites you are agreeing (in the small light gray print) to allow them to access your Mobile number  you may had listed in your profile, even if others can not see it and set up Premium SMS messaging services.

[crimedoggies]

Count me impressed.

[dirkbonn]

Just curious, but what does the thread have to do with "4G Discussion"?

[steveanderson13]

I agree that this was underhanded and you should not have to pay.  Could anyone in your family have done this?  If not, you should definitely not have to pay for unordered items.  I would speak to someone higher up.  I do not think Verizon would let a wrong go undone.  And I do not know of any legitimate reason for allowing 3rd parties to bill thru your account.