I’m quite upset with these SMS subscription services.
My one aunt, which is totally not TECH-literate, saw this cool baby singing on the TV and sent an SMS to receive a ringtone. After that she received a ringtone each day, costing her R10 per week. But she says that the advertisements did not say that it’s a subscription. Then she tried to STOP the service by sending STOP to the number to no avail. She then phoned me and I had to track down the company which runs the campaign. And when I tried to cancelled, it took them 2 weeks to cancel.
I personally never use/or am interested in any type of shortcode competition, subscription services or ringtones like this as I just know it’s a massive money making venture for doing nothing. These guys send you some low quality “content”and charge you an arm and a leg for it.
I found this website, which also makes one think about this industry. This example, uses the “You’ve won the world” method to get you to interact with their website, “Find the 3 differences”…. and afterwards it says enter your number and subscribe to win (which in small letter at the bottom of the screen indicates it is R30 / week).
I really thought that some type of legislation has already been implemented to protect the consumer with this type of advertising.
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This is realy bad
Posted by Riaan Oosthuysen | 01. Dec, 2008, 10:18These campaigns are targeted at people exactly like your aunt. They fall short of being a scam. I would suggest that you write to the management of the company and request a refund and an apology.
If you are met with hostility, use your freedom of speech and blog about your article, then email the links to the management at the company.
Posted by DChetty | 01. Dec, 2008, 12:41Yip, I’ve actually considered taking some action. But I feel this is just one small fish out there, and complaining to this one and all the trouble – will it be worth all the effort.
Posted by Arné | 01. Dec, 2008, 12:44