Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
Moriturus
Newbie
I just got my latest Verizon Wireless bill and I found TWO months of charges for $9.99 for "premium text messaging."  (Why the first month didn't show up on the last bill is puzzling.)  The problem is, I haven't signed up for any premium text messaging services, ever.  (My cellphone can't even send text messages.)  When I called a Verizon Wireless billing representative about the charges, he told me that: 1) he couldn't take the charges off my bill because they were from a third party; 2) he couldn't tell me who the third party was; 3) he couldn't make the third party stop charging me; and 4) since I had signed up with this third party I have to figure out how to get rid of them.  He said that no else above him could tell me who this mystery "premium text messaging" was either.  Has anyone else has this problem?
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
iPhonelove
Specialist - Level 1

Yes, the only solution to this problem is to have your premium messaging service blocked. This can be done by using My Verizon, emailing, or calling them. This will  make it so you can't receive another premium message, or be charged for one.  

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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
Moriturus
Newbie
OK, but: 1) How do I find out who subscribed me to this premium text messaging service? 2) Why won't Verizon tell me who they are? 3) How do I reverse the charges if I can't find out who the service is?  3) Why am I still being told to pay $19.98 if Verizon can't show that I received any premium text message service?
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
iPhonelove
Specialist - Level 1
1. If you and any other person on your plan didn't do it, you really can't. 2. Verizon can't tell you, its part of some agreement. 3. The charges can only be reversed by the third party billing company. You can only do that by finding out who they are. 4. You are still being told to pay this, because its a montly service that the third part is charging you. The best bet would be to shut off premium messaging and then attempt to find out what party billing service the messages are coming from. I think if you type in the number that the premium messages come in as, which you should be able to find on your payment history, on google, it will bring up their website and you should be able to contact them there. 
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
DaniLove13
Contributor - Level 3

**bleep**, i wanna know what reps you people are talking to!

They can provide the name and 5-digit shortcode for the premium message service. They can tell you what kinds of things they may be sending you. They can provide customer service email/numbers to contact the third party company.

**bleep** me off when reps don't do their job... :smileymad:

Message Edited by BradC on 05-18-2009 09:05 AM
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
iPhonelove
Specialist - Level 1
You have to be joking. They told me they couldn't provide that information.
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
DaniLove13
Contributor - Level 3
Not joking at all hun. They can tell customers if they have a premium sms charge who its from, what it sends, how to cancel it and issue credit for it.
Message Edited by BradC on 05-18-2009 09:06 AM
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
iPhonelove
Specialist - Level 1
I want my twenty dollars back from like 3 months ago! I hate representatives. I could replace half of them.
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
DaniLove13
Contributor - Level 3

I agree, reps can be not so great.

Message Edited by BradC on 05-18-2009 09:06 AM
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Re: Being Billed For "Premium Text Messaging"
iPhonelove
Specialist - Level 1
Im glad that there are some reps that are  helpful. 
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