20160502-G. H. Schorel-Hlavka O.W.B. To MR Malcolm Turnbull Re Fraudulent Telecommunication Charges

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Mr Malcolm Turnbull
Cc:
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2-5-2016
Malcolm.Turnbull.MP@aph.gov.au
Bill Shorten Bill.Shorten.MP@aph.gov.au
Senator George Brandis senator.brandis@aph.gov.au
Mr Clive Palmer Admin@PalmerUnited.com
Jacqui Lambie senator.ketter@aph.gov.au
Re: 20160502-G. H. Schorel-Hlavka O.W.B. to Mr Malcolm Turnbull Re Fraudulent telecommunication charges
Malcolm,
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It appears to me that while you were Minister for Communication it allowed

unscrupulous large scale fraudulent conduct by telecommunication companies. The TIO
(Telecommunication Industry Ombudsman) generally appears to me to be known as to railroad
complaints and useless to appropriately resolve issues concerned.
In my view this matter requires a comprehensive /federal Police investigation as otherwise
it is nothing less than a cover up by the Federal government against the interest of the
general community.
Some issues that should be addressed:
There appears to be scams going on but the question is why isnt the Australian Federal Police
investigating those scams I estimate involving tens of millions of dollars? Many of the elderly
not understanding modern technology will not be aware their phone/mobile bills are loaded with
fraudulent charges. Also, telecommunication companies should not be permitted to have a slice
of the charges by 19number businesses as it is a conflict of interest. legislation should be in place
that if a telecommunication company charges a customer for fraudulent charges it must refund
the monies and pay a penalty of 10 times the amount fraudulently charges. Further, unless a
customer specifically applies for special SMS facilities mobiles shouldnt be able to allow for it.
Also, the onus is upon the telecommunication company to establish if the 19number business has
validity/authorization to charge. The telecommunication company who charges for premium
charges such as SMS must ensure that a customer objecting to such SMS or other messages can
notify the relevant company without charge to stop any further sending of SMS or other
messages. As such the 19number business must provide a free call number.
Telecommunication companies must be bound by law to report any complaint from any customer
regarding such fraudulent charges by any 19number businesses to ACMA.
Further telecommunication companies must provide their customers with a valid email address
not being a donotreply kind of email address, this so that customers can email the
telecommunication company with any written complaint. The TIO must provide detailed reports
to ACMA as to the number of complaints, the number complained about and the
telecommunication company involved as to alleged scam complaints.
Legislation is put in place that where a person enters a free competition or other brochure the
mobile number required to be provided for this is not used, nor is provided to others, for
premium SMS messages
Companies operating within the Commonwealth of Australia are prohibited to use overseas call
centres to seek to circumvent the DO NOT CALL registered numbers. And telecommunication
companies are prohibited from charging any customer for Premium SMS and other charges
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2-5-2016
G. H. Schorel-Hlavka O.W.B.
INSPECTOR-RIKATI about the BLACK HOLE in the CONSTITUTION-DVD
A 1st edition limited special numbered book on Data DVD ISBN 978-0-9803712-6-0
Email: admin@inspector-rikati.com. For further details see also my blog at Http://www.scrib.com/InspectorRikati
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listed on the DO NOT CALL register, unless the 19number business can prove to the
communication company (the provider) that it has lawful authority to charge for certain claimed
services.
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Above shows 19904598 unsolicited calls of 25-12-2015 and 30-4-2016 this even so I do not use
mobile phones for playing games and never did so., and despite that this mobile 0425029944 is
on the DO NOT CALL REGISTER. As such this theft/fraud allowed by Vodafone (the
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service provider) should be subjected to huge multi-million dollar fines. As that might be
the only way to make scams like this not profitable.
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What is also of concern is that I have my mobile generally for text messages only, but to
have it in case of emergencies. Now I might, as has happened before find that I am out of
credit, not because of actual usage but merely because of scams, and even so I didnt even
respond and had not even accessed the text message, I was nevertheless charged a
seemingly merely by the company to send me this scam text message. Meaning that the
very purpose for which I have the mobile is undermined by scam charges and Vodafone
failing to consider whatsoever that this is a DO NOT CALL listed mobile.
If this is done with millions of customers then only many millions of dollars in fines can be
a solution, as well as a huge compensation to be paid to me and my wife for having been
fraudlently charged.
The same where as shown below with image of the sales ticket Woolworths sells Optus
WiFi with 5 GB od data and then Optus refuses to honour this and allows a mere 1 GB
data. Was it not for my conduct to take a picture of the sales price with relevant details I
would be unable to prove the facts. But how many people are conned in this trap?
Telecommunication companies (service providers) to be prohibited to use their customer
numbers to provide unsolicited charges such as Premium SMS (text) messages to try to flock
some items to the customer, not charge any customer to opt out of such offers.
Also, 19number businesses offering for a person to enter a competition for a 55cent call cost to
be prohibited from charging any cost for reply SMS from this 19number business.
Further, that where a person makes an inquiry (such as with an insurance company as to compare
rates of insurances, etc) then the company is prohibited for using the number for ulterior
purposes and/or to pass on the number for others to do so.
For example my wife only gave out the number she uses once to iselect to seek information as to insurance
issues, and thereafter the number (otherwise unknown) ended up being used for premium SMS message.
Hence she suspect that the insurance company passed on or sold on her mobile number, and as result she
ended up receiving this unwanted premium SMS message regarding downloading the updating of a game,
this even so she never requested nor invited otherwise such premium SMS message to be sent to her.
It must be clear from what is set out below that unscrupulous companies with the aid of
telecommunication companies are defrauding people bid time and that it is well overdue the
perpetrators are held legally accountable as obviously the legislation itself seems not to be
sufficient to achieve this. It now becomes a form of terrorism that people are prevented from
using their mobiles in a manner they may desire. That must stop!
It also undermines the Federal Government seeking to provide pensions and other welfare
payments to the deemed need of those people where then unscrupulous companies charges huge
amount of monies totally undermined the intent of the Federal Government to provide a as it
may hold reasonable amount of monies to the recipients. By this people end up with a reduced
spending power which may make them vulnerable not being able to pay certain bills or even
purchase sufficient food for themselves and other dependents.
I below set out how Optus is what I view robbing as customer of entitlements.
Firstly, where I paid $40 for 10GB if entitlement this was simply denied, as when I called in to
activate it I was told by a staff member it was only for mobile phones and not for WiFi
broadband.
I have below shown images of various stores where it shows (referring to one or two white
dots) that with the two white dot the $40 was referring also to texts and calls for mobile phone
usage whereas with one dot it only refers to the broadband usage.
Obviously, using any $40 upgrade for not only broadband but also for texts and calls would be
more expensive for Optus then just using it only for broadband (using WiFi or otherwise)
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As the simcards are sold in sleeves with one or two dots and so in numerous stores, then it cannot
be held that I as merely making some errors, in particular where the sleeves that have been
reproduced above to not support the staff members claim.
Because it is a phone call to Optus it means no record are available for the customer (the caller)
to prove what was said by Optus staff.
However, even when using Chat (https://www.optus.com.au/shop/welcome?defaultTab=2),
where a transcript of communication is made available on request that is, then it can be shown
that as I view it Optus simply defrauds me as a customer of my entitlements. As shown/set out
below I had 2GB on 14-4-2016 for 0434 625 184 My Prepaid Mobile Broadband and requested
this to be transferred to 0423 949 642 My Prepaid Mobile Broadband, to discover that the 2GB
was changed to 2MB and then a 2MB was recorded this as to pretend that the 2MB was used
even so no simcard was used at all for this. And 0423 949 642 shows no such transfer
eventuated, and as result on 26 April 2016 I was cut off from internet (broadband) services. And
this besides the fact that simcard 0423 949 642 was sold with a WiFi to provide 5GB of usage for
12 month which Optus initially cut back to 1GB for 1 week, but after complaining it made it
2GB for 1 month.
A major problem is the denial of communication using emails. As result Chat is time consuming,
At times many hours without resolve. And phone calls are useless without records for the
customer to prove what an Optus staff stated.
While I spoke to the manager regarding Optus, and he made clear that 3GB was shown on
MyAccount, reality is that it showed no such 3GB and as such something is drastically wrong
when Optus claims to have one set of data, whereas my screenprints shows/proves otherwise and
I am denied internet access as result. Despite asking for transcripts to be sent to me, in fact
various times asked for this I now find that the transcripts were not sent at all. While in regard of
1 transcript it was claimed they only can sent it while the chat is on but they do keep a copy on
file, they refused to send this copy to me as well as the other transcript.
More than likely because the transcripts can prove that the manger was not correct in his claims
they may have held better refuse to provide me with transcripts as then I can prove my version of
events. Well, I am the type of guy who expected this and made numerous screen prints of the
CHAT and as such can put together the transcript based on what was shown on the screen. Optus
therefore undermine its own credibility by this kind of conduct. While it may get away with this
kind of what I consider fraudulent conduct/swindle with me they just have taken on the wrong
person!
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This shows that there is no option by Optus for 2GB for @weeks or 2GB for 1 month despite
being sold as such, when using internet activation! It is 4 GB for 1 month being the next level for
2GB if one is not to lose any entitlements.
This image was taken at Target 8-1-2016
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See below 2GB for 2 weeks or 1month (not 1GB for 1 week as claimed by Optus staff!)
27-11-2015 at Northland, Preston Proving that 5GB was available this even so the website of
Optus doesnt facilitate for this!
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Kmart Northland on 8-1-2016

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22-12-2015 at Coles
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3-1-2016 at Woolworths Gladstone park cklearly showing 5 GB with 30 days expiry! Yet Optus
still refuses this!
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Because Optus denies communication using email facilities I cannot therefore show them the
images included in this document. As I view it Optus deliberately denies email facvilities so ca
customer like myself making sure to record matters are prevented from using the images to
prove their claims. As such, this is geared up to swindle customers big time.
The above image shows how I purchase various Optus WiFis, and marked them, albeit I have
more than those shown above.
Here it shows that I purchased 2 at special discount rate of only $14 each.
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Simply as a senior citizen being on a pension I look for when stores are overstocked or want to
clear out old stock before the item expires and so purchase often at huge discount prices. This
however is merely that the store forgo certain profits but doesnt affect the entitlements of the
product.
Stores, as to attract customers often do provide for special discounts, such as Coles, for a week,
and then one can purchase even mobile phones at heavily discounted prices.
Obviously a store faced with a huge stock of items about to expire or soon enough rather sells the
stock at reduced prices and still make some profit then no profit at all.
K-mart was selling $2.00 simcards for merely $0.05 (5 cent each) to clear stock. I then purchased
57 of them! All they had!
The mere fact that a promotor (store/merchant) sells items at discount prices doesnt deprive a
customer of the entitlements. Just that as I do I mark the items for expiry date where this is
recorded on the product.
As a customer I obviously accept that the short period of time before the item expires remains
applicable, hence the marking of the expiry date. However, nothing is to alter the entitlements!
Just for explanation.
My wife authorized someone to remotely use her computer (she is learning to use the internet),
which turned out to be a scam. I use for this different WiFis and different simcards, so that it
cannot affect my computers. As such purchasing different WiFi without any real added cost on
special lower prizes means saving a lot of money and a void scammers to get the details because
of ongoing changing of WiFi and simcard.
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At Woolworth 24-12-2015
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At Coles 29-12-2015
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At Dick Smith 9-1-2016
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The arrows show one or two white dots, and clearly one with references to text and calls and the
other doesnt. Hence a customer is entitled to accept that the one without reference to Text and
calls but referring to broadband is for the computer.
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At Target 22-12-2015
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Clearly nothing on these sleeves of simcards shows that this excludes WiFi mobiles! Not that
this is only regarding Mobile calls and text using internet.
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At Coles 22-12-2015
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At Kmart 24-12-2015
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Whereas some show references to call and data having 2 white dot with text, other however do
not refer to calls and text and as such for the ordinary person refers to Broadband.
Still, when I phoned in to activate this $40 payment for 10 GB it was refused claiming it was for
mobiles only, meaning mobile calls and text, not for WiFi.
Clearly this doesnt appear to be shown as such.
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https://www.optus.com.au/customercentre/myaccount/dashboard#r-29
Your Services
0434 625 184

My Prepaid Mobile Broadband
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Usage transaction details

These charges may be adjusted on your next bill to reflect any plan
inclusions/discounts or add-ons.
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Date from
26/01/16
to
26/04/16
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Filter by
All events

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Date/TimeDescriptionDurationCharge
20/04/16 12:16PMRecharge E-Top Up $0.00
PartitionAmountBalance
MyCredit $0.00 0.01
20/04/16 12:16PMCRCRI $.01
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MyCredit $0.01 0.01
14/04/16 19:15PMCRCRM $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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MyData 2 MB 2 MB
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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The 2GB that existed on 14-4-2016 (as computer screen print proves) mysteriously
became 2MB? And even so the 2MB was not used it nevertheless shows up as having
been used. Well let Optus prove it was!
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0423 949 642
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Date from
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Filter by
26/01/16
to
26/04/16
All events
1234>

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26/04/16 19:26PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 10 MB 0 MB 1573MB
26/04/16 18:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
26/04/16 09:18AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
26/04/16 24:16AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
25/04/16 22:07PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00

25/04/16 20:37PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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25/04/16 18:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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25/04/16 11:08AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
25/04/16 04:15AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
25/04/16 24:21AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00

24/04/16 21:14PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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24/04/16 19:20PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

24/04/16 18:44PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
10
24/04/16 12:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
24/04/16 09:14AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 22 MB 363 MB 1210+22=1232MB
Print usage details list
1234>
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23/04/16 23:55PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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23/04/16 21:11PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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23/04/16 18:30PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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23/04/16 16:35PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

23/04/16 15:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
10
23/04/16 08:59AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
22/04/16 21:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
22/04/16 17:21PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00

21/04/16 22:49PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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21/04/16 17:32PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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21/04/16 05:53AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
21/04/16 02:59AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
20/04/16 23:44PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
20/04/16 21:38PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
10
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

20/04/16 17:04PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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MyData 1 MB 994 MB 607+1=608MB
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20/04/16 16:14PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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20/04/16 14:15PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
20/04/16 13:22PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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20/04/16 12:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 2 MB 1022 MB 581MB total 1603MB?
20/04/16 10:50AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 11 MB 1.00 GB 579MB
20/04/16 05:17AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
10
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
19/04/16 22:22PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
15
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

19/04/16 20:27PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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19/04/16 19:36PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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19/04/16 17:48PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
19/04/16 15:29PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
19/04/16 13:59PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 3 MB 1.00 GB 368+3=371MB
19/04/16 12:14PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 197 MB 1.00 GB 171+197=368MB
19/04/16 11:54AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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MyData 2 MB 1.00 GB 169+2=171MB

<1234>
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Hi GERRIT,
Your Services
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Add a service
Add
0434 625 184

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We are working on it!
We are currently experiencing some technical difficulties.

Please try again soon!
0423 949 642
30

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These charges may be adjusted on your next bill to reflect any plan
inclusions/discounts or add-ons.
Date from
Filter by
26/01/16
to
26/04/16
All events
<1234
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19/04/16 11:24AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 32 MB 1.00 GB 137+32=169
19/04/16 05:07AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
10
MyData 0 MB 1.00 GB 137+0=137

19/04/16 01:48AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 10 MB 1.00 GB 127+10=137
15
19/04/16 24:42AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 16 MB 1.00 GB 111+16=127MB
18/04/16 20:28PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 14 MB 1.00 GB 97+14=111
18/04/16 19:36PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
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MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 3 MB 1.00 GB 94+3=97MB
18/04/16 18:18PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
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MyData 16 MB 1.00 GB 78+16=94

18/04/16 17:14PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 3 MB 1.00 GB 75+3=78
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18/04/16 16:07PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 17 MB 1.00 GB 58+17=75
18/04/16 04:58AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 24 MB 1.00 GB 34+24=58
17/04/16 23:08PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
10
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 7 MB 1.00 GB 27+7=34
17/04/16 22:00PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
15
MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 18 MB 1.00 GB 9+18=27
17/04/16 05:26AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
20
MyData 3 MB 1.00 GB 6+3=9

16/04/16 22:47PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00
MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 2 MB 1.00 GB 4+2=6
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16/04/16 21:16PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00
MyData 4 MB 1.00 GB 4
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<1234
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I received a bill from Vodafone with a $6.60 charge of a call. I contacted Vodafone and was
bluntly told that Vodafone record shows the call was made on 9 September 2015 and it had to be
paid. I explained that this mobile is used by my wife for mainly emergencies and so far I could
establish her last text message was way back in 2013, and no one else used this mobile. Still the
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staff member made clear that my wife may have called X-Factor program and so did incur that
cost because Vodafone had the records to prove the call was made.
This really did upset my wife (in her eighties) as she made clear she isnt that dumb to not
knowing when she uses the mobile. And as she doesnt watch television why on earth would she
then make calls to X-Factor or other television programs?
It became clear to me that Vodafone was adamant that it could get away with this what I consider
elaborate scam, as I knew from previous occasions that the TIO would do nothing. For example
Vodafone had failed to refund $56 but the TIO even so aware of this nevertheless did nothing. At
that time it was claimed I have an about $180 bill for internet for one month this even so I
challenged it. Yet, now with Optus I have a monthly pre-paid $30.00 (for which I paid $15.00)
and have ample of usage, in fact 3 times what Vodafone provided.
Even so I proved to TIO with screen pictures my complaints the TIO in the end did nothing. You
cannot have a mediator/ombudsman who is paid for by the corporations and it seems to me is in
their pockets to do what serves them best, unless in the extreme , and perhaps to show or pretend
to show to act at times may support a complainant.
Lets go back to the insistence of Vodafone staff that it had records to prove the call was made.
Checking the incoming text message (As I had previously only checked outgoing call/text
message as I understood that is what you are charged for) I discovered the following:
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QUOTE 11 September 2015 message

19761977
Latest mobile games update here http://bit.ly/1UeDLoC Reply stop to quit.
Help 1800_302038
MAL
END QUOTE 11 September 2015 message
As such, it was not that my wife or for that anyone else had called/texted out but being charged
for an incoming text message.
Moreover, I started to teach my 82 year old wife about 4 years ago how to use a laptop and well
she still hasnt managed copy & paste and still cannot handle to use a mouse. As such she does
everything on a touch plate of the laptop and cannot use an ordinary computer with a mouse
only. It must therefore be very clear my wife doesnt play games on the computer that requires to
use a mouse let alone on the internet. The question then is why on earth would she receive a text
message about being able to download some update of a game when she doesnt use the
computer to play any games? As such it must be obvious she never did request any such text
message either, as she wouldnt have a clue what games are available for downloading from the
internet, let alone seeking some update. And it should be known that the mobile number is listed
on the DO NOT CALL REGISTER! (https://www.donotcall.gov.au/) As such, the call was in
violation of the DO NOT CALL REGISTER, and it appears to me that the telecommunication
companies have conspired to rip off customers big time in the millions of dollars.
https://www.donotcall.gov.au/
QUOTE
Australian telephone numbers used primarily for private and domestic purposes are eligible for registration
on the Do Not Call Register. These include fixed (or landline) numbers, mobile phone numbers, satellite
numbers and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers.
Registration is free and is permanent for any new and existing registrations.
Registrations can also be removed at any time.
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END QUOTE
QUOTE email (albeit most of the numbers have been replaced by xs for confidential reasons)
Do Not Call Register: number status check
no-reply@donotcall.gov.au
Today at 10:55 PM (13-10-2015)
inspector_rikati@yahoo.com.au
To
Thank you for contacting the Do Not Call Register.

The status of the following numbers on the Do Not Call Register is:
xxxxxxxx44 is currently registered
For further information call 1300 792 958 or go to www.donotcall.gov.au.

Do Not Call Register team
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QUOTE email
As I made clear (using screen prints) to the TIO in the past Vodafone was claiming I had
downloaded about 320 MB on Microsoft downloading, this even so my computer screen prints
showed it was less than 1 MB. As such, Vodafone has engaged in deceptive/misleading/
fraudulent conduct to make claims of usage that I never incurred. Despite the evidence the TIO
did nothing! As such the reputation Vodafone acquired with me is one of charging ongoing
fraudulently and my past correspondences to you as then Telecommunication Minister ended up
without proper resolve.
It must be clear that when I had on 9 October 2015 Vodafone staff member claiming that it had
records that on 11 September 2015 a call was made from the mobile my wife is using (but
registered on my name) this clearly was a fraudulent/false/misleading claim as no outgoing
call/text could have existed. The Vodafone staff member at no time did claim that it was an
incoming text that was charged for. Yet, that I understand was the real culprit. And while I
accepted to have 19 numbers blocked from being made from the mobile, I never was aware nor
made aware over the years that this mobile was used that 19 number (businesses) could be used
to cause a charge upon this mobile without any request, in fact despite of the DO NOT CALL
REGISTER, As such the 19761977 caller can merely sent out unsolicited text messages to
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20
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40
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unsuspected mobile holders and then the unsuspected customer not even aware such text
messages/calls are made then are charged something like $6.60 per call/text.
As I discovered there is a lot of rot going on and more than likely I suspect the same may be
done to Members of Parliament mobiles and they likely may neither be aware of these charges of
unwanted calls/text messages. I have below quoted some internet statements, albeit this relates to
Telstra but it should be of concern that as one person stated that the bills are paid by an
accountant. As such many businesses and others may never be aware of this gigantic fraudulent
conduct as bills are not scrutinized for such calls nor likely noticed by an accountant who merely
pays bills. Indeed, where I only discovered it after challenging the $6.60 charge it must be clear
this is a hidden fraudulent charge.
.
QUOTE Sorell v Smith (1925) Lord Dunedin in the House of Lords
In an action against a set person in combination, a conspiracy to injure, followed by actual injury, will give good cause for action, and
motive or instant where the act itself is not illegal is of the essence of the conspiracy.
END QUOTE
.
As I understand it from statements of the Internet (see below) telecommunication companies

have a financial interest in 19number calls that if such a company make such unsolicited calls to
its customers then they receive allegedly part of the charge for themselves. As such there is a
financial incentive for telecommunication companies to assist 19number businesses to defraud
customers. As such, if the 19number company places say a million text messages, using
computer automatization then it can claim about $6.6million and if the telecommunication
company gets say 25% of this then it stands to make about $1.65 million. Little surprise they are
not going to stop this elaborate fraud.
While the text message requires one to reply with stop my wife didnt respond, neither should
she and indeed to respond may be that she then incur another charge and in effect may validate
the number and then be subjected to an avalanche of further messages/calls. She never asked for
the text message in the first place, and never opened the text message either, as I warned her
never to open a text message of someone she doesnt know the sender because of viruses.
What this has now caused that my wife is eve n scared to have a mobile at all because not even
having any control as to managing charges and left at the cruel conduct of the telecommunication
company and 19number businesses it has become a serious problem to her.
In my view the Federal Government neglected to protect her, myself and thousands upon
thousands of others by not clamping down on this and the TIO so it appears to me supporting this
ongoing gigantic fraud.
As it appears to me you were more interested in your own personal advances to become Prime
Minister then to act appropriately as a Minister for Communication to stop this rot. It is no
excuse, in case you argue this, to claim you didnt know because you were the responsible
Minister and failed to act appropriately. Perhaps if you had been more interested in doing your
job for which you actually were being paid handsomely as Minister of communication instead of
travelling about to have photo opportunities as to get rid of Tony Abbott as Prime Minister then
I wouldnt have to spend this huge amount of time to write about the problems. And not to forget
the perhaps hundreds of thousands other victims that are defrauded!
If you cannot even manage to appropriately conduct affairs as a Minister for communication then
how on earth can anyone expect you to do better as a Prime Minister, I wonder?
The onus to prove the right to charge must be placed by the telecommunication companies, so
that they in turn will ensure that any 19number business seeking to charge validate their charge
with evidence they are authorize for the charge and failing this the telecommunication company
is legally bound to suspend the 19number business entitlement for 1 month period while matters
are investigated regarding an alleged abuse, pending a risk of permanent abolition of the number.
As such, the onus will be not on the customer but upon the telecommunication companies and
those businesses using the 19 numbers.
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EACH TIME SUCH A 19 NUMBER IS SUSPENDED/CANCELLED THIS HAS TO BE
REPORTED TO ACMA WITH ALL RELEVANT DETAILS.
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/19761977
5
QUOTE
unhappy
28 Sep 2015
The message was completely unsolicited and I object to being charged for something I
10
did not ask for

Caller: IG8 Pty Ltd
Mal
9 Oct 2015
15
I received an SMS message about mobile games update. I did not request it, did not
sign up for them, did not respond to the SMS message, and was charged for the
pleasure of them sending me something I did not want (their communication). If I
wanted to purchase something I would instigate the purchase. Why do these people
get real jobs instead of scamming money out of those of us who do work hard for our
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money.
Caller: IG8 Pty Lyd
Call Type: SMS
END QUOTE
25
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Calls.aspx/197
QUOTE
Latest Phone Call Reports - 197x numbers
Type a phone number and press "Search", to find out who owns that number and why they call.
Latest Reported Numbers
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19761977
I received an SMS message about mobile games update. I did not request it, did not sign up for them,
did not respond to the SMS message, and was charged for the pleasure of them sending me something I
did not want (their communication). If I wanted to purchase something I would instigate the...
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Last post by Mal - 9 Oct 2015

197
The number 197 came up today on my phone. With the name Not Avaible. Does anyone know who this could
possible be.
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Last post by Bobby - 20 Sep 2015

19777077
$10.000. 0475201419
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Last post by Trey Baxter - 8 Aug 2015
19741974
Same problem. I have a mobile on my name which my mother use. Last month have $120 of additional
charges. Premium messages from 19741974. My mother is not computer litrate enough to register
herself to a site. No chance for a old women anyway.
Last post by Pretlz - 10 Jul 2015
19772665
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The scam is probably when you send stop you have to pay.
Last post by Bennie Kloosteman - 20 May 2015
197960000098
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Bryan-College_Station_Eagle
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Last post by SprMO - 16 May 2015

197-521-4067
Don't know who this is tried to ring it nothing happens just curious who it is don't want to get them into
trouble
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Last post by Theresa - 22 Apr 2015

19722205
It is Facebook premium charges.
Last post by Dean - 2 Feb 2015
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19770011
Cost me $34
Last post by Josh turner - 27 Dec 2014
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19700003
It's related to a adult chat site
Last post by Kat - 25 Nov 2014
19711200
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quizzmaster
Last post by john - 10 Aug 2014
19754830
STOP ANY FURTHER MESSAGES TO 0411403616 Received from 19754830
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Last post by L:ynette Miller - 26 Jun 2014

197-933-0305
I Got call today.
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Last post by tdickensheets - 27 May 2014
19765556
It
appears
its
the
company
"loveaholic".
have
reported
them
to
ACMA.
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/reportascam
Last post by Insomnia - 12 May 2014
19722204
Got a call from Vodafone today saying that I sent a text to this number. I never sent any and now
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they're charging me over $300 for sending "premium text messages". Who'd send this many SMS? Be
careful because these thugs will steal your money!
Last post by Renzvice - 15 Apr 2014
19711972
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New Telstra number that I specifically requested NO premium services on. Consumer First and Telstra both
going to be contacted. A frustrating waste of both my credit and my time & resources that I'm not happy
about.
Last post by Nigel - 14 Apr 2014
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1978559084666
i had recieve this call i would like to know from whom and wich country
Last post by rayen - 20 Mar 2014
19722203
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My daughter seemed to have replied to this message and clocked up $25.94 in premium SMS messages in 5
minutes. This is definitely a scam and do not reply
Last post by Jamie - 17 Mar 2014
19722202
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every moneth i have been recieveving bills that all total to more that 400$
Last post by feng choe - 28 Feb 2014
19717777
I have 4 items from this no,4 @$6.60 & 2 others @ 0.25 for 19974444, all at the same time & date
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Last post by shell - 25 Jan 2014

197826539
getting out from the movie theatre and a black cat crossed my feet brushed against my legs and the ran off as
i bent over to pat him. i went over to the wendys burger place accross the street to wait for my ride so i was
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ordering and i received a call from this number and it was a man this was our...
Last post by anon - 12 Jan 2014
19712020
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Sms from 19712020 who is it please
Last post by holly - 6 Dec 2013
19770102
sms "Stop" worked for me.. got a reply saying I was unsubscribed
Last post by Fuji - 27 Nov 2013
1972732586000
got calls from this number and it is annoying, please post every time you get a call from weird numbers so
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other can know and avoid fraud and solicitations.

Last post by Rose210 - 5 Nov 2013
19702666
Me too! I just awared it. I have no idea what is Trivia Club, but they charged me from JUN 2013. what
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should I do!?
Last post by xiang li - 22 Oct 2013
END QUOTE
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The following was a comment of 2007 when they charged a lot less than the about $6.60 now
http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/archive/744343
QUOTE
User #35872 8085 posts
Neon Kitten
Whirlpool Forums Addict
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb1bo
posted 2007-May-19, 9:16 am
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb1bo
O.P.
Okay, I'm SERIOUSLY pissed off.
While at work last night, I got a text message at exactly 11.50pm (Friday night) from a premium number.
This message contained the following asian-australian garbage (copied and pasted from the actual message):
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Bongo knows that huong ly nguyen does have a chance with cuong quoc pham although will need to put in
the hard yards to get in on some of that Cuong Pham!
This came from the premium SMS number +19926646.
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Needless to say, I never "subscribed" to crap like that - indeed, I never subscribe to or use ANY premium
SMS "services" (and I use the term "services" VERY sarcastically).
When I got home, I logged on to the Virgin Mobile site to check my account. And there, in the "other"
column, was this:
19/05/07 12:00 AM Premium SMS Text sent to 19926646 00:00 3.00
18/05/07 11:56 PM Premium SMS Text received from 19926646 00:00 0.50
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So I've been billed 50c for RECEIVING this garbage, and THREE DOLLARS for sending a reply that I
NEVER SENT.
So of course this morning when I got home, I called Virgin Mobile.
27 minutes on hold later, I speak to a poor worker who's probably just gotten out of bed. What's the deal, I
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ask.
"Just send STOP to the number, sir.
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Err, yes, but I never subscribed to anything in the first place, the message makes zero sense even to
Vietnamese people (trust me, I showed the message to three actual real Vietnamese people and they all went
"HUH?"), and I've had $3.50 STOLEN FROM MY ACCOUNT.
"Sorry sir, just text STOP."
No, no, no. I will not actually send these wankers anything to encourage them. No sodding way. Credit my
account with this amount please, Virgin.
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"No, sorry sir, we cannot do that as you obviously subscribed to this service. You have to text STOP."
Look, I did NOT subscribe to ANYTHING. Got that? This money has been fraudulently debited from my
account with ZERO authorisation. Does that not concern you?
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"Alright sir, we're not supposed to do this, but I can sneak you their contact phone number."
Cool. Gimme.
"Okay sir, the number is 02 8022 0777. The company is called Mobile Contact."
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Great. I'll call them, but first, can you block ALL premium SMS numbers from being sent from or received
by this phone?
"Err, I'll have to put you on hold and ask a team leader."
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3 minutes pass.
"Sorry sir, I've talked to our team leader and we cannot block premium SMS messages at all."
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Okay guys, you're about to LOSE A SODDING CUSTOMER here, I vaguely politely reply.
"Sorry sir, just text STOP to..."
I hung up.
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I then called the number. 02 8022 0777. And I got this:

"Thanks for calling Fifth Finger. If you want to cancel a subscription, enter your mobile number now."
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I did. There was a tediously long wait.

"Your mobile number is not subscribed to any services. There is nothing to cancel. Bye!"
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So essentially, these Fifth Finger scum seem to think they can STEAL money as they please and get away
with it. And no, apologists, I do NOT buy the claim that they are "just a service provider".
And sure, it's "just" $3.50.
It is FRAUD. And I shall be notifying the appropriate authorities accordingly.
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In the meantime, be warned: "Fifth Finger" is a company in the SCAM business. That much is perfectly clear
via their association with many previous fraudulent scams. They need to be SHUT DOWN. And they have
just screwed with the wrong person.
And Virgin/Optus just lost themselves a customer.
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END QUOTE
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QUOTE
Neon Kitten
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb1c1
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb1c1
O.P.
Oh, and a bounce just in from contact@5thfinger.com.au - what a surprise!
Reporting-MTA: dns;SYD-MAIL-EVS.9msn.net
Received-From-MTA: dns;mail.ninemsn.com.au
Arrival-Date: Sat, 19 May 2007 08:37:22 +1000
Final-Recipient: rfc822;contact@5thfinger.com
Action: failed
Status: 5.1.1
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They can run, but they can't hide.

END QUOTE
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30
QUOTE
User #56459 15154 posts
Zen
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb1lm
posted 2007-May-19, 11:33 am
edited 2007-May-19, 11:38 am
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb1lm
posted 2007-May-19, 11:33 am (edited 2007-May-19, 11:38 am)
just looking on their site
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5thfinger.com.au/corporate2/default.asp
When planning the Big Day Out Festivals we recognised we would need on site assistance (and over
weekends). The team at
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5th Finger was only too pleased to extend their normal professional support capabilities to accommodate us.
Fiona McAllister
Program Manager
Virgin Mobile Big Day Out
they are sponsors for Virgin mobile
now wonder the team you called didnt want to help you
Neon Kitten writes...
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They can run, but they can't hide.

Scammers
their address is on the site under contact if you want to pay them a visit :)
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END QUOTE
QUOTE
Simon VK3XEM
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Whirlpool Enthusiast
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb3OD
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb3OD
jiBOX writes...
Why cant the idiots ring them selves if they have the number? Way to protect their "valuable" customers...
10
They are protecting their income, they make money off scum like 5th finger by skimming the cream off the
charges before passing what is left to the scum.
END QUOTE
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QUOTE
Simon VK3XEM
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb3O5
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb3O5
michael j writes...
Nothing wrong with 5th finger.
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CRAP, they are just scum when they rip people off who have never dealt with them before by sending
unsolicited Premium SMS.
It is no conspiracy theory either stating that the phone companies are aiding and abetting these scum either.
They bill you for the unsolicited Premium SMS and pass it on to the scum after taking their cut. Then they lie
through their teeth saying they don't know who they are and use Privacy crap to hide their identity!
The sooner the Government step in and make it totally illegal the better.
END QUOTE
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40
QUOTE
jumpingfool
Forum Regular
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb7Q5
posted 2007-May-21, 3:35 pm
edited 2007-May-21, 3:39 pm
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb7Q5
posted 2007-May-21, 3:35 pm (edited 2007-May-21, 3:39 pm)
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Ok, first up you are completely wrong about 5th Finger being involved here - 19926646 is a shortcode owned
by a company called Mobile Messenger - contact details at www.mobilemessenger.com.au/contact.html .
The Virgin customer service rep you spoke to was obviously mistaken.
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Secondly you can find out exactly who the people behind the service are by using the Vodafone lookup
service at www.vodafone.com.au/Pers...Finder/index.htm . This url has been posted many times on this
forum, it would have taken all of 30 seconds for you to find it.
To save you the hassle, the details for the service concerned are:
Premium Number: 19926646
Service Provider: SMS Central Australia Pty Ltd
Campaign name: 199Bongo
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Campaign type: Voting / Poll Entry

Campaign start Date: 03/08/2006 00:00
Campaign end Date: 31/12/2999 00:00
Campaign Description: Any question answered service.
You pay for sending a TXT message to this service: $3.00
You pay for receiving a TXT message from this service(*): $0.50
(*)some TXT messages sent to users may be exempt from charging. Please pay attention to details in the
message
Cust Care Phone No: 1300767306
Thirdly, you have openly admitted that your bill shows that your phone has been used to send a message into
the service and that is the reason you have been charged. As this wasn't you it must have been done by
someone else - probably a mate/co-worker. They are the people who have stolen from you - not 5th finger,
not Mobile Messenger, not SMS central. If someone stole 5 bucks out of your wallet and to spend on their
pokie habit you wouldn't go trying to get the police to arrest the guy running the pokies - you'd ask the guy
who nicked your cash for it back.
Why is this any different?
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END QUOTE
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30
QUOTE
Neon Kitten
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb8Ja
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb8Ja
O.P.
jumpingfool writes...
35
Ok, first up you are completely wrong about 5th Finger being involved here - 19926646 is a shortcode owned
by a company called Mobile Messenger - contact details at www.mobilemessenger.com.au/contact.html .
Yes, correct, as Fifth Finger's sales desk confirmed via email today (their contact email still bounces).
Virgin's rep was indeed mistaken, but given his complete unfriendliness and patronising attitude I can't say
I'm surprised.
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Moderators, can we change the subject line of this topic to reflect the correct company? (Mobile Content,
instead of Fifth Finger) to help future scammed people?
A call to Virgin later on the Saturday - with a MUCH more Virgin-like support person on the other end revealed that he had indeed given me the wrong information. I will be reporting him, the silly idiot.
I called the above 1300 number (the actual company is called Mobile Content, by the way) , which the second
Virgin person gave me, earlier today as I am required to do so before my billing dispute can be escalated.
And sure enough, it's a tedious, drawn-out auto-unsubscribe service that requires me to enter my number.
That makes me nervous enough, but having done so (and being told my "request will take THREE DAYS to
process"!) the only contact option available to me (note: NOT available initially, I had to give them my
number first!) was a leave-a-recorded-message-and-ask-t o-be-rung-back option. And I had to try this TEN
TIMES before I could squeeze my contact info into the approximately 5 seconds of recording time it gives
you. Will I hear back from them? Yeah, SURE :-|
But I have done my part. I have contacted them. Now to get the charges reversed and ALL PREMIUM SMS
BLOCKED (and I will not rest until either Virgin is willing to do this or their refusal forces me to first take
this to the TIO and if that doesn't work, ultimately change carriers).
I just called Virgin again, was put in the eternal queue but this time there was an optin to press 1 to speak to
billing. So I did. I got what I presume was an overseas call centre.
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10
They told me the standard rubbish - "text STOP to that number" (no I will absolutely NOT!) etc etc. She then
agreed to escalate this to their MMS "investigation team" who will supposedly call me in 3 days after doing
"an investigation". I don't hold out much hope of the response being more than more of the same, probably
just including the info the poster provided above.
I will call their AUSTRALIAN support later tonight when I have a spare half hour to sit on hold, and try
again for Premium SMS blocking. Already this has cost me six 1300 calls, one long-distance call, and about
three hours on the phone - no wonder these scammers succeed in ripping people off. The entire system is set
up to make people give up in frustration.
But these "Mobile Content" wankers STOLE from me, and they WILL pay. Sadly this is leaving a VERY
bad taste in my mouth about Virgin at the same time. There was once a time when Virgin would care about
that. Not any more, it seems.
15
Now, as for your other info above, a Google for "199BONGO" yields a Whirlpool thread:
forum-replies-archive.cfm/615196.html
20
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...and a company web site which lists their business address as:
Impulse Business Solutions
P.O. Box 2463
North Brighton
Victoria 3186
Australia
See the mire of nested companies and fake names we have to deal with here? Still think these things are legit?
30
You pay for sending a TXT message to this service: $3.00

You pay for receiving a TXT message from this service(*): $0.50
35
Thirdly, you have openly admitted that your bill shows that your phone has been used to send a message into
the service and that is the reason you have been charged. As this wasn't you it must have been done by
someone else - probably a mate/co-worker.
40
That's the whole point - NOBODY HAD ACCESS TO MY PHONE!!! As I have already explained. It was
WITH ME THE ENTIRE NIGHT. Nobody else touched it, there is nothing in the phone call log, nothing in
the SMS sent folder, and no way a message could have been sent at all unless Mystro The Magician came
along and hypnotised me into doing so. PERIOD. That is FACT.
And if YOU searched the forums you'll find plenty of talk about similar scams where premium messages
were sent, probably via a web site interface, to people who had never done anything to request them.
45
50
Note also that the billing record shows the message "sent" TO the premium number was logged AFTER I
received the first message.
If someone stole 5 bucks out of your wallet and to spend on their pokie habit you wouldn't go trying to get the
police to arrest the guy running the pokies - you'd ask the guy who nicked your cash for it back.
I am. I'm asking these Mobile Content thieves for my money back.
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And look at it this way - if it's THIS easy for them to steal money from anyone they please and I have NO
WAY of stopping it from happening again, shouldn't I be a bit concerned? Shouldn't everyone?
I presume you work for one of these so-called "service providers" or for a phone company, going by your
bias.
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This is NOT an isolated incident. This sort of theft has happened to dozens of people I know. Now it has
happened to me.
I'll give Virgin their 3 days for their "MMS investigators" to contact me (the fact that they NEED people like
p40
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that on staff says a lot!)
And then I call the TIO.
I said it before, I'll say it again: they scammed the wrong person this time.
END QUOTE
10
15
QUOTE
User #114996 1500 posts
JRF
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb9g9
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb9g9
"Alright sir, we're not supposed to do this, but I can sneak you their contact phone number."
20
ok this is crap as they can give you there details

"Sorry sir, I've talked to our team leader and we cannot block premium SMS messages at all."
25
this is kind of true with the optus system i dont know if they have updated it so i canoot be totally correct, but
they will still charge you even if you dont recive it. i dont know how many calls i took from people saying
WTF my phone is suspended but i am still getting hit with pre sms
"Your mobile number is not subscribed to any services. There is nothing to cancel. Bye!"
30
this could be because they are or have sent it to your Data number... you will need to get this number of
virgin, as they are the only ones that know it... then use thatto unsubscribe
And Virgin/Optus just lost themselves a customer.
35
40
45
look this is takeing it to the extreem... no matter what company your with and this happens you will get the
same help. due to 99% of the time customer have subscribed them selves to something, if not them someone
has entered the wrong number into a website and you have coped it...
i remember when i was with optus you can request a billing investgation into it, also ask for the tower reports
for that night. to prove to you that you sent the orignal message... i dont know if virgin will do it,, but i have
gotten this done many times to prove to people when the message was sent,
well anyway i hope this helps...
oh
i should mentiopn that 5th finger sell your details onto other compay;s
END QUOTE
50
55
QUOTE
User #114996 1500 posts
JRF
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb9k4
posted 2007-May-21, 10:09 pm
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb9k4
posted 2007-May-21, 10:09 pm
MuZZbuZZ writes...
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So if u got a sms log from virgin from the 'supposed' night you subscribed to this service, you could prove to
Virgin/Mobile content/Ombudsmen that you did not in fact subscribe, therefore you can prove it is a scam
look say that i am sideing with the phoen company here but look at it in this was as this is the answere you
will get from them to this if you can prove that it was not you that sent the first message
10
there are many different ways you can subscribe to these.

1. sms to 19 number or even a 04 number these days
2. phone call to a hotline of some sort
3, internet (this one cannot be proven that it was you or not and this is what they will site with)
4. you details got sold to them.
5. you entered one of them raffles that you can win a car and the tickets dont cost you anythin... (these people
are real suckers that try and win these)
15
most of these are used by marketing people to make money.
20
after i worked for optus i worked for one of the pre sms company';s in melbourne. and i tell you they dont
like giving your money back auctually in the 3 months that i was there i think i issued about 3 refunds... were
peoples bills were upto a few hundred dollars, and they only got less then $5.00 back
but they make a crap load of cash... because there in a Un regulated market, the TIO cannot touch them, accc.
can i guess but most of them are not even in this crountry they just get a po box or something like that here
that is never emptyed and then bobs your uncle and it is not hard to get the 19 number a few hundred dollars
and its yours
25
END QUOTE
30
35
QUOTE
jamey
Forum Regular
reference: whrl.pl/Rbb9AZ
posted 2007-May-21, 11:05 pm
ref: whrl.pl/Rbb9AZ
posted 2007-May-21, 11:05 pm
Good luck with it Neon Kitten.
40
I had a similar thing last year with B Digital. I NEVER subscribed/entered any competition rubbish - nor did
anyone else touch my phone. And yet B kept insist me to send a STOP message.
I totally agree with you, on the principal of why should I acknowledge these scammers by sending them a
message. To me, that is acknowleding that I did ask for it in the beginning.
45
In the end, I phoned the TIO, warned B staff of this, and got them to agree to refund ALL costs for this,
including the cost of sending the stop message.
Got there eventually, and left B for good as soon as contract expired.
50
I still do not understand, that unless the phone company can PROOVE I asked for this crap, how they can bill
me for it? And yet, the standard attitude seems to be that I have to proove I DID NOT ask for it.
Good luck, hang in there.
END QUOTE
55
60
QUOTE
comoman
reference: whrl.pl/RbcbPO
p42
2-5-2016
43
ref: whrl.pl/RbcbPO
Here's something to think about.
10
We are in the telemetry business and have over 4000 sim's with all three major carriers. Our sim's are barred
for absolutely all services except for GPRS on our APN only.
One month we received a bill for premium SMS's worth $60 on one sim. A quick phone call and we were
told "Send stop, you must have subscribed" etc etc. We pointed out our service restrictions meant SMS was
impossible and we could not possibly have subscribed.
$60 quickly reversed - must happen all the time.
15
Premium SMS should be "Opt in" only. You should not be able to send or receive premium SMS's without
opting in specifically.
END QUOTE
20
25
QUOTE
jumpingfool
Forum Regular
reference: whrl.pl/Rbcb3z
ref: whrl.pl/Rbcb3z
jrf writes...
this is correct you have to prove to the phone company
30
That's actually completely untrue - the burden of proof is absolutely the responsibility of the company doing
the billing.
35
Neon Kitten, if you honestly believe that no-one used your phone to request this service give the TIO a call
on 1800 062 058 - they will request Virgin to provide the details on exactly how you opted in to use the
service and if no evidence can be provided you are entitled by law to a refund (they will do all the work - you
can sit back and relax). The TIO will also levy a (reasonably hefty) fine against the operator for the breach contrary to previous postings the TIO are not powerless to act against PSMS content companies.
40
As your bill shows your phone was opted into the service I don't think you'll get much luck (it's highly
unlikely Virgin's billing systems are faulty), but I'd be interested to hear the outcome - please do let us know
how you get on.
END QUOTE
45
50
55
QUOTE
jamey
Forum Regular
reference: whrl.pl/RbccmT
ref: whrl.pl/RbccmT
"this is correct you have to prove to the phone company... as there not responsible for the mobile service nor
the bill"
When I was having my issue - the TIO totally contradicts what you claim. Sorry.
I *know* I didnt subscribe or request anything. I *know* what I do with my phone, and who I give the
number to. Obviously you can't trust what I say - you don't know me. But I do know what I did, hence why I
p43
2-5-2016
44
fought it.
The TIO couldnt agree with me more when I spoke to them - and clearly said that unless I specifically
requested that stuff, there is no way they can bill me for it.
Everyone always comes back with the line that the customer must proove they didnt do it. Well hang
on.....who is the company who has an agreement with these 3rd party people? Who is the company who will
pass on my money (if I paid) to these 3rd party people? ah yes, the phone company.
10
15
You cannot say the phone company has no responsibility here. If they want to pass my money onto these 3rd
party people, then they can damn well proove how I apparently asked for it.
Now the above may be almost impossible to do, especially as alot of these scams can be entered into over the
Internet.
So think about it....is it fair, that I can go to a website, enter SOMEONE elses mobile number, and then
THEY get charged this premium 3rd party crap??? How can I sign someone else up for this - without their
consent??
20
If you don't think the above is possible, then care to give me your mobile number - and we will see just what
you can be subscribed/charged for without your consent.
As I said as the start of this post - you may disagree with me, but when I had this problem, the TIO did infact
agree with me - hence why I got all the charges credited back to my account.
25
END QUOTE
30
35
QUOTE
Neon Kitten
reference: whrl.pl/RbcdPk
ref: whrl.pl/RbcdPk
O.P.
jumpingfool writes...
Neon Kitten, if you honestly believe that no-one used your phone to request this service give the TIO a call
40
45
I'm awaiting a response from Virgin's crack team of "MMS investigators" (yes, I know MMS isn't the
medium here, but hey, that's the best response I could get out of them!) and then I'll consider my options.
Obviously they can tell whether a text was sent from my phone to that number that night or not. Well, I
would hope so.
As your bill shows your phone was opted into the service
50
The thing is, it actually doesn't - it shows a message was sent to the premium service AFTER one was
received from it. That's not opting in, even if I *did* send that message (which of course, as I've said, I did
not).
55
So far nothing else has turned up from that service, which I really actually expected to happen. That in itself
is a relief; however, until I can get incoming premium SMS messages blocked from my service I will always
have at the back of my mind the knowledge that someone can steal from my account any time they choose to.
Needless to say, that's not a very nice feeling.
60
('comoman')
Premium SMS should be "Opt in" only. You should not be able to send or receive premium SMS's without
opting in specifically.
PRECISELY. This is something that should have been legislated LONG ago.
p44
2-5-2016
45
On most carriers you have to deliberately, personally opt-in to send and receive MMS messages. Why should
premium SMS be any different?
END QUOTE
10
15
QUOTE
jumpingfool
Forum Regular
reference: whrl.pl/RbcdVr
ref: whrl.pl/RbcdVr
The thing is, it actually doesn't - it shows a message was sent to the premium service AFTER one was
received from it. That's not opting in, even if I *did* send that message (which of course, as I've said, I did
not).
20
The time on your bill will be the time the charge was applied to your account, which is not necessarily the
time the message was sent. MO/MT transactions pairs are regularly recorded "out of order".
PRECISELY. This is something that should have been legislated LONG ago.
25
30
35
On most carriers you have to deliberately, personally opt-in to send and receive MMS messages. Why should
premium SMS be any different?
It absolutely isn't any different! The premium SMS industry is one of the most regulated in Australia and
comes under the following (non-exhaustive) list of regulatory acts:
Interactive Gambling Act 2001
Spam Act 2003
Privacy Act 1998
Telecommunications Act 1997
Broadcasting Services Act 1992
Telecommunications (Mobile Premium Services) Determination 2005
The SPAM act in particular dictates that consumers user MUST actively opt into any SMS based service.
40
Now I'm not saying that SPAM never happens but the penalties for breaching any of these regulations can be
extremely severe - one particular SPAM incident last year sent several companies bankrupt as a result of the
fine levied. As a result such incidents are thankfully extremely rare as they simply serve to damage the
industry as a whole.
45
This is why I asked jamie to provide details of the web-based services he has seen that do not require double
opt-in to subscribe - it is trivial to get any such services shut down.
END QUOTE
50
55
QUOTE
User #152037 1359 posts
tattoos
reference: whrl.pl/RbebTI
posted 2007-Jun-21, 8:22 pm
ref: whrl.pl/RbebTI
posted 2007-Jun-21, 8:22 pm
Some of these scammers will continue sending SMSs until they are told to stop usually by sending 'STOP' to the sending number.
60
I am on the vodafone prepay cap so I dont have any problems with these scammers. however...
After I recieved 2 of these SMSs which I new were scams
I contacted Vodafone to quiz them about it, (I was board) after the CSR had admitted he new it was a scam, and also vodafone only let
p45
2-5-2016
46
these companies use there service because Telstra and all the others do. (yea right,,, nothing to do with the money it generates)
After he had given me the toll free Ph # of the scammers he told me that if I had clicked on a link in the SMS/MMS I would have been
auto subscribed to the ringtone service and also if I had replied STOP (like it said to do in the SMS) then that reply would have cost me
$5.00.
Then the CSR said that some of these companies will reply to your STOP message with a conformation message which again can cost
$5.00...
So it could cost you 10 bucks if you reply STOP.
So If you get any SMS/MMS scams that you know you have not requested then just ignore them. DONT reply to them and keep an eye
on your phone bill, unless you are on the vodafone 49 dollar cap;-)
10
James
END QUOTE
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/19754830
15
QUOTE
0413976039
20 Sep 2011 | 1 reply

I cuold please stop to send this messages to my phone
Caller: gamesbuzz
20
Call Type: SMS
Mick Dick
28 Nov 2011
It's from Optus. It's just advertisement, Optus sends them out when you purchase a game from them.
25
helpme
1 Dec 2011
How do you make it stop. Called optus about these and they claimed not to know abut it. I want them to stop!
Call Type: SMS
30
linda
5 Jan 2012 | 4 replies
STOP sending me messages!! If I send STOP to GamesBuzz I will be charged $25 for the priviledge.
Caller: GamesBuzz
35
Call Type: SMS
ThinkAboutIt replies to linda

5 Jan 2012
I have an idea that might help you. Read my post on whocallsme for 447773744001.
40
helpme2
2 Apr 2012
p46
2-5-2016
47
Received an sms from 19754830. Saying
FREEmsg for GamesBuzz: EA Games Sale Edition!
Send STOP to 19754830 to opt out http://sy2.msap.ws/gb/1
Call Type: SMS
Mixed Vegetables
26 Apr 2012
WTF! You try and opt out and it says you aren't even registered, how can you receive a txt msg from a place
your not registered with? So you can't opt out cause you don't exist.....mmmmmmmm
10
Call Type: SMS
tony
27 Apr 2012
Received an SMS from 19754830 saying
15
FREEmsg for GamesBuzz: EA Games Sale Edition!

Send STOP to 19754830 to opt out http://sy2.msap.ws/gb/1
james
14 Jul 2012
20
I would like these calls comming to my mobile now

Caller: gamesbuzz
Tha wah
31 Jul 2012
25
Please stop free GamesBuzz:Get zushi

Caller: customer
Tha Wah replies to linda

31 Jul 2012
30
please stop sending message gamesBuzz
0434267214
8 Aug 2012
stop sanding massage to me please
35
Caller: 19754830
gloria derry
29 Aug 2012
please stop sending me these messages
40
Caller: Optus GamesBuzz

p47
2-5-2016
48
Caroline
21 Nov 2012 | 1 reply
How can this be stopped without texting STOP to 19754830 and being charged $25 to get rid of this unwanted
and unsolicited nuisance.

I have never purchased a game from Optus or any service on the mob number which I get this bloody message.
Caller: 19754830 FREEmsg for GamesBuzz
Call Type: SMS
10
ThinkAboutIt replies to Caroline

21 Nov 2012
This works for a similar scam-Look on the SMS for the website it came from and write it down.Take your
phone to a public library, and sign up to use one of their computers (this is to avoid getting malware on yours).
Look up the website on the Internet, go to the privacy page, and look for the instructions to unsubscribe. You
15
will be charged for it. Follow the instructions exactly as written, or you will not be unsubscribed. There will
also be a number you can call to speak to an agent. Tell them that you were signed up for this service without
your knowledge or permission and ask for a full refund. If the instructions couldn't be found, try the FAQ page.
Best wishes-I hope this helps.
20
wely
28 Nov 2012
what is the call from this number or text for free sms
25
Rhonda Bott
3 Jul 2013
Stoop sending messages please
Caller: Games Buzzz, jewel Bubbles
30
Rhonda
8 Jul 2013
stop sending messages
Caller: games buzz
Call Type: SMS
35
Jay
23 Jul 2013
Do not send 'STOP' or try to contact any agents. Do NOT go the website. Because if you are requested to give
details, then you may be asking for more trouble. Instead, complain it to the Australian Government Scam
40
Watch.
p48
2-5-2016
49
https://www.scamwatch.gov.au/content/index.phtml/tag/reportascam/
These SMSs are more like threatening money for not to disturb. They must be reported and stopped.
Caller: Optus GameBuzz 19754830

Call Type: SMS
hakimzada mohammd edris replies to linda

21 Oct 2013 | 1 reply
10
iam edris may

END QUOTE
http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/19754830/2
QUOTE
15
edris replies to hakimzada mohammd edris

21 Oct 2013
yes
0
maureen greer replies to 0413976039
20
28 Oct 2013
please dont send me any messages again

0
Mr Dumb
24 Mar 2014
25
Mermaid Treasure
Caller: Games buzz
Call Type: SMS
Lynette Miller
30
26 Jun 2014
I have no idea why this scam sent me a message

I have no interest in football
Caller: BUZZ FREE MSG CHAMPS!
Call Type: SMS
35
L:ynette Miller
26 Jun 2014
STOP ANY FURTHER MESSAGES TO 0411403616

Received from 19754830
p49
2-5-2016
50
Caller: Buzz free msg .Football Champs !
Call Type: SMS
END QUOTE
10
15
20
25
In July 2015 I discovered that despite not making any calls my $230 credit (for one year) was
suddenly gone. I contacted Vodafone and they insisted it had records I made the calls. I didnt
put any monies on the sim until 10 September 2015, and having made 8 text for 55 cents and 2
ordinary text messages I held I had still about $15.10 left. Well I got the warning that I had less
than $10.00 left on 12 October 2015.
What appears to be is that I am charged for others sending TEXT messages!

To me this is totally unacceptable.
It should be the sender pays, not the receiver.
Whereas before I could last about a year with $20 for my mobile, using it very sparingly. Now
suddenly the monies goes without any clarification and Vodafone simply claims I made class,
this even so I didnt do so because I kept the text messages I sent out and do not use it to talk on
the mobile. In fact I can have about 100 minutes free call to my wife (and she can to me) having
both Vodafone and even that we do not use.
In my view it has gone on for far too long, at least since 2007 as I quoted above, and it underlines
that this is obviously a very good financial scam as otherwise it no longer would exist. Hence, it
is well overdue that the telecommunication companies act appropriately and failing to do so
they suffer the legal consequences, even perhaps suspending their license for some time and
p50
2-5-2016
51
have the telecommunication company paying for its customers in the meantime to use
alternative services.
5
I also queried the outstanding charge regarding a past Wifi and I was given the understanding
that she checked my records and I had failed to pay one month, hence the outstanding charge.
.
10
This image of my laptop screen shows that April $22.20 was paid and yet the next month the
charge was outstanding. Obviously this was an error. Nevertheless Vodafone staff insisted I
have to pay this (again) and obviously I refuse to do so.
15
Again a proper Australian Federal Police investigation should be done!

This document is not intended and neither must be perceived to refer to all details/issues.
G. H. Schorel-Hlavka O. W. B. (Friends call me Gerrit)
Awaiting your response,
20
MAY JUSTICE ALWAYS PREVAIL

Our name is our motto!)
p51
2-5-2016

20160502-G. H. Schorel-Hlavka O.W.B. To MR Malcolm Turnbull Re Fraudulent Telecommunication Charges

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1

It appears to me that while you were Minister for Communication it allowed

This image was taken at Target 8-1-2016

Kmart Northland on 8-1-2016

At Dick Smith 9-1-2016

0434 625 184

Usage transaction details

Usage transaction details

0423 949 642

Usage transaction details

26/04/16 19:26PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

25/04/16 11:08AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 15 MB 257 MB 1337MB

24/04/16 12:43PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

Usage transaction details

MyData 24 MB 386 MB 1210MB

23/04/16 18:30PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyData 7 MB 502 MB 1095MB

23/04/16 08:59AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 77 MB 715 MB 884MB

21/04/16 05:53AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 1 MB 994 MB 607+1=608MB

Usage transaction details

20/04/16 14:15PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyData 0 MB 1022 MB 581MB

20/04/16 10:50AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 12 MB 1.00 GB 464MB

19/04/16 17:48PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 2 MB 1.00 GB 169+2=171MB

0434 625 184

We are currently experiencing some technical difficulties.

0423 949 642

Usage transaction details

Usage transaction details

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 0 MB 1.00 GB 137+0=137

19/04/16 24:42AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 16 MB 1.00 GB 78+16=94

18/04/16 04:58AMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

MyCredit $0.00 0.00

MyData 3 MB 1.00 GB 6+3=9

16/04/16 21:16PMPRECONNECT00:00:00 $0.00

Print usage details list

QUOTE 11 September 2015 message

Do Not Call Register: number status check

Today at 10:55 PM (13-10-2015)

Thank you for contacting the Do Not Call Register.

xxxxxxxx44 is currently registered

xxxxxxxx09 is currently registered

xxxxxxxx46 is currently registered

For further information call 1300 792 958 or go to www.donotcall.gov.au.

As I understand it from statements of the Internet (see below) telecommunication companies

did not ask for

Latest Reported Numbers

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