SMS/Phone Rip Off?

[BenDToy]

I received a text message telling me I had won �400. Obviously a scam but you had to ring an 0871 number (for info it was 4711159) which is not a premium rate number. Eyes wide open, I called and answered a series of 'marketing survey ' type questions, with constant references to the '�400 prize'. Eventually after about 5 mins, the catch. To claim my prize I was supposed to ring an 0906 number with a code given during the original call. Needless to say I didn't ring it but I am curious about 2 things. Firstly, has anyone called the premium number and if so what is the 'fantastic �400 prize'? For what it's worth, my guess is money off vouchers to the value of �400. Secondly, at no time was I advised that the second number was a premium rate number, probably �1 a minute or so. This is clearly immoral, if not illegal. Who should this be reported to. As a final point, this may be useful to anyone else who is tempted to act on this text. Also part way through the call, you are prompted to enter the number of a 'friend', with the implication that if you don't you won't get your prize. This is how it is perpetuated.

[pezza.......]

If you want to report this less than obvious scam, the Telephone Industry regulator is the best point of contact. A google search for OFTEL should find the information you require.

[BenDToy]

Thanks pezza. Oftel directed me to an organisation called ICSTIS http://www.icstis.org.uk to whom you complain about premium rate numbers. No response from them yet but this seems to be the correct route. Much appreciated.

[flirty41]

Yes, I received this message as well. 'They' said 'they' had tried twice to contact me (rubbish!) to tell me I had one THE �400 prize. I dutifully rang the number given and answered the questions, but when I was asked to supply the mobile number of another friend, I realised it was a 'chain' text and hung up. You're right, it's a scam. I'd be interested to know, too, if anyone has gone the whole hog and seen it through to the bitter end.

[the_dipsey_1]

i usually find telling them im a lawyer and asking for the address to which to send them correspondence as my client wishes to sue and then droning on about the finer points of contract law! which of course i know little about - but they dont know that - and i usually try to ring from the work phone as i hate my boss and would rather do this than work

[Fluffyudders]

I was drunk, phoned BOTH numbers from my MOBILE, but ran out of credit before I knew what was going on. Then I fell asleep. fun fun fun!!!