Shoutbox

I wonder if anyone can tell me if my experience is a bit unusual?

I have had a messenger virus, so uninstalled it and downloaded and installed a new version. I logged on and downloaded a new version of windows live messenger 9, it asked me to send a text for a download code, which I did, then I was charged £6 for two text message to receive the code.

I thought that it was a free package - with hindsight I was a bit naive to send the text, but thought it was genuine.

Any info would be gratefully received.
Ceri

You downloaded from an unofficial site.

Unfortunately there are quite a few sites offering free software and charging money for the download/usage. These site are hard to stop, Messenger Plus! itself is on several of these sites as well. Any attempts to shut them down failed so far. These sites try to make some easy money without any permission from the authors of the software they offer.
In the future please don't send any SMS to be able to download/use any software. Most of the time it's unclear what you're really paying or what these unknown companies do with your mobile number.

The latest Windows Live Messenger can be downloaded for free on http://download.live.com/messenger
The latest Messenger Plus! Live can be downloaded for free on http://www.msgpluslive.net/download/

Thanks Menthix,

I can't believe how stupid I was!!! I have asked them to stop the messages, but am afraid that they will continue to send them and charge me.

You have to send them a special message to stop the service, unfortunately the message you have to send varies per service to make it hard for you to stop while they can continue to make money.

You could try googling the number the messages come from or the service name and see if you can find the correct stop message. If that fails, call your phone provider and ask them if they can help out with the situation. If you don't do anything these things can get quite expensive. And unfortunately these types of service are not illegal yet .

Do you know which site you downloaded from, I like to take a look and see if there's something that can be done to stop them from making more victims.

i'd be amazed if they actually followed the law(i think it is) and set a stop message =p

I just googled and found this site:

http://www.msn-messenger-9.org/uk/

I have sent a STOP message, but not sure if it will be acted on.

Thank you for your support.

quote:

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Originally posted by joey
i'd be amazed if they actually followed the law(i think it is) and set a stop message

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AFAIK phone providers have the right to block them from their network if they don't. But laws vary per country, so it's hard to know.

well, to be fair, it does say they'll charge you for the number of texts and how much, even if it just copied and pasted.

and rofl at this...

quote:

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Originally posted by legal page

Furthermore, by providing his/her data the user expressly agrees they will be used to send commercial communications through any communications resource, including electronic or telematic, about products and services provided by the [COMPANY] or Group companies. The user may oppose to the sending of commercial communications at any time by sending an email to the following address [CANCELLATION form]

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i reckon whoever is doing it has a few websites similar to it

but there is this. click on the menu and look for "i want to STOP"
http://support.sorpresor.com/Soletto/Nueva.aspx

actually, they probably just want your email address too, while they're at it. aren't i slow?

i have done the same thing DOH

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that is the same site that i downloaded from too

this is what you get when you blindly click on "Agree to T&C" without actually reading it.

there is a program somewhere that scans T&C's that pc pro gave away free on a cd, but i can't remember the name of it. anyone?