Complaint Rating:

Someone at work told me there was a free directory assistance number 18003733411. I called from my cellphone, they asked me for a city, state and business name. There was no disclosure of any obligation to a subscription for using this service. A few minutes after calling, I received a text from 41414 saying, "Congratulations on our subscription to weather forecasts." Keep in mind each text is .15. This first text gave me the option of opting out, which required me to text them back with the word THREE STOP and I went on to explain that I wanted to stop because I have to pay for each text message. The next day I received two texts (duplicates) from 71769 saying, "Sorry your carrier does not support downloads." I then replied, "Each text costs me money, please stop texting me." Which they replied, "Sorry, the keyword does not match up with any services offered by CSW."

Finally I called Tmobile who suggested I sign up for $4.99/month 400 texts and reply with the word STOP in the subject line. I asked if there was any other way because I had not idea that this scam would stop at 400 texts. The rep then suggested I activate Tmobile's free option of blocking ALL texting. That's what I did. The rep also checked to see whether I had been charged a subscription and as of 8/25/08, I had not. I will keep checking. I don't know what happens if I am charged. It's a scam and I too do not know how the FCC let's them get away with this.

Suggestions welcome.