I was amazed to find almost $30.00 of charges on my wireless bill that were listed as Premium Text Services. I text about 4 times a year and usually in response to someone I know that texts me. I called Verizon Customer Service and was told I "subscribed" to these services on the internet and the billing was through a Third Party and I could not dispute the billing through Verizon. They said that I had to contact the company directly and text them a "Stop" message or the charges would continue... WHAT?!!! Then Verizon said I could place a "Premium Services Block" on my phone, but that I would have to pay the charges.
Here is what I found with a little digging:
1. Verizon gets a percentage of revenues from these sites.
2. Verizon has a list of Premium Download Content providers "approved" for use on Verizon Wireless network.
None of the Three sites that were billing me were listed on their "Approved"
List.
3. There is a "Double Opt-In" section on Verizon's site that says:
"Some Premium Text Messaging programs may require additional fees or a subscription before participating in the service. If you have to pay an additional charge, Premium Text Messaging services that are approved for use on Verizon Wireless network will include a double opt-in when you first participate. The Text message sent from the premium provider will explain the additional charge and require you to opt-in again to participate in the service."... And How do I opt-out of a Premium Text Messaging program? Any Premium Text Messaging program, or short code program, that is approved for use on the Verizon Wireless' network requires... The key word here is "Approved for use on the Verizon wireless network". Verizon is also supposed to send you a reminder message at the end of each billing period. This message will contain the name of the content provider, the subscription fee per relevant subscription period (i.E., $4.99/mo. Or $1.99/wk.) and an opt-out keyword should you wish to opt-out of the subscription. Most premium content subscriptions are monthly, some are weekly.
Well I could prove I didn't get texts from this company, they sent no "reminder" and they weren't approved by Verizon anyway. My next call brought this to there attention and referred them to their own web page. This time I was advised, after a moment of silence, that they would take the charges off my bill. I will include a link to Verizon's site with this info.
My suggestion is make a copy of that page, because they will probably change it. Review the sites. If your scammer isn't on their approved list... Challenge it! Here is the link;
Http://support. Vzw.com/faqs/Premium_TXT_and_MMS/faq_premium_txt_and_mms.html
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