IQ Test of IQ Quiz Online Scam Review

Overall 1.00 of 5 (by 1 user)

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CyndiA
southern, NC

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Online IQ quiz or IQ test scam - cell phone phish - beware.

smart enough to know a scam, looking for the IQ quiz scumbags, southern, mad as heck, not taking this lightly

Pros

you may qualify for class action help, tips to avoid cell phone scams

Cons

cell phone downloads are a rip off, cell phone companies get a cut, these scams are targeted at teens, don't take an IQ test on your cell phone, Mobile Messenger should be ashamed

DEC

2008

My kid had a $9.99 charge on his cell phone for one call (and he's on 500 minutes and only used 147 minutes) for 11-11-2008. Hum. That did not make sense, so I called Sprint. They are good to work with.

Evil Cell Phone Download Scam

Turns out this call was not a call. It was a download. I know (and my son knows) that online downloads cost extra. He does not buy iTunes or anything online without letting me know. So, this is strange.

Glad for the IQ Scam Tip

I talk to the Sprint lady first trying to figure out what kind of cell phone call runs $9.99 for one call. I'm thinking, "Well, maybe there was an emergency, and 911 costs close ten bucks." She tells me that it's an online download. So. OK. The kid downloaded . . . something. It was not an emergency. What did he download?

In addition, the Sprint lady tips me off that it is not just the one call. It is a monthly charge that will be $9.99 every month if my son does not cancel. She tells me that she got hit with the same thing, and she works at Sprint. She said it took her 2 months before she caught this online trick. Good grief. She's in the industry. My kid is just a kid - a teen kid - but still . . .

OK Kid - What's Up with the $10 Call?

I ask my kid about this call when he gets home for the holidays.

The way the online scam or online phish works is that you go online (no charge on his Sprint phone), but you see that you can take and IQ Test or IQ Quiz. When you click on that, you get charged a download of $9.99. And, it's not just that one day that you decide to have some fun online on the cell phone. It's every month forever I suppose.

The scary thing about this online scam is that you have a lot of people (like my kid) who would never put in the credit card infomation and agree to pay $9.99 to find out that he's smarter than a 5th grader. Who the heck would be stupid enough to buy that? No one. So, they slide it in as an online download which then routes through the cell phone company where your credit card is good and where you do pay and pay and pay.

Who Messed with My Computer? - No. I'm Not the Paranoid Type

To top things off, I tried to look up this scam online. I used Google to check IQ quiz and IQ test and scams. This crashed my computer. I thought, for sure, that I was toast on my HP. There were notes about trojan horses and other scary things that popped up. I needed (according to the notes) to download software to fix these problems (and pay more money). I had to click that button that said I did trust the site to do so. I did not. I manually shut down my computer. It was wonky for a couple of hours as I kept running set up and trying to get it to work again. So, be very careful if you get burned by the IQ scam. When you try to check on that, you get burned again. You won't here at Viewpoints. This is a review site. I do not sell anyone stuff online. This is a safe space to read about such problems.

It All Seemed to Innocent - That's How They Get You

There are fun and games online. Most kids know that. My kid said his roommate told him about the fun IQ test. He pulled up the web site and took the test on his cell phone. He found out he was smart. I told him that you do not have to pay to find that out. Duh. He's smart enough to know that too.

But, this really is a rip off and one that I'm sure has caught many other kids and adults. You just press a simple IQ test or IQ quiz button while on the cell phone. You're having fun finding out how smart you are while some smartie is getting your information and charging you direct from your cell phone company to the tune of close $10 per month an ongoing. This skips over your charge card, because you trust your cell phone company.

To top it off, you try to search or check this IQ game problem at your desktop computer, and you get bad juju on your home computer. It overrides the safety settings. You are pushed to pay for software from goodness knows where - and probably from the same outfit that is gaming you on IQ stuff. I'm glad I did not press the "pay and fix it" button although it took a long time to get my computer back today.

Is My Kid the Only One to Fall for the IQ Scam? I Doubt it.

I don't know how new internet cheat thing this is. I suspect that it's not been around long. But, I'm sure my kid and his roommate and the Sprint lady (who was nice enough to share) are not the only victims. I would like to check that out more, but the computer crash this morning scared heck outa me. I don't want to put my data and photos on the line. I want my kid off the $9.99 a month train, and I want my computer to work right. I do not want others to have to deal with this problem, so I am posting. I would like to follow up and sock it to the IQ creeps, but I don't know how to find them and report them.

Stop Online Scams - And Let Me Know If I Can Help

Be careful! And, if you can get around this online scam and shut them down, good for you. If you need back up, let me know. I will go on the record with how the IQ test or IQ quiz game is being played on innocent onliners. I just don't know how to find them and how to follow up - yet.

Update

As you can see in my comment section, I did get back online (after backing up all my files on an external drive). You will find loads of information and can copy and paste the links for more information on the cell phone scams.

Please note that the cell phone companies are VERY aware of this problem. In fact, they get a cut of the scammed money.

Who Did This Cell Phone Scam?

PredictoMobile or Predicto Mobile PR was kind enough to respond to this post. I had not been able to trace it back that far. Google PredictoMobile, and you will find loads of posts about the scam. That's easier than trying to track it down using the IQ test, because it's way more than just the IQ thing that you get you on.

Not PredictoMobile

I called PredictoMobile. They did not bill my son. I guess someone there just had a guilty conscience as indicated in the customer care note below.

When I tried to explain why I called PredictoMobile to the service rep (and that the contact is posted here at Viewpoints), she was VERY rude. She said I didn't have an account and that I needed one to talk to her manager.

EXCUSE ME . . .

Trust me. I did get to talk to a manager. I explained the situation again. I think perhaps the manager "got it." In any case, she was not rude.

If I had a company and if I did not play this scam, I would not want it posted that my company is the contact. I was trying to do them a favor in telling them where/how I got the phone number and why I called PredictoMobile.

Next time, I'll let them figure it out on their own. They can just field the calls and scratch their heads I guess.

Here's the message board post listed by member CustomerCare:

"We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please note that we at PredictoMobile take customer satisfaction very seriously and would like to address any concerns. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-360-0518 so that we can resolve your inquiry. Keep in mind, our toll-free customer service number is also posted on our website as well as included in SMS messages sent to your phone.

Please note that a customer enrolls in our service by submitting their cell phone number on the PredictoMobile sign-up page which clearly explains the terms and conditions including price of service and billing to the cell phone. We then send the user a text message to their personal cell phone which again details this information. In order to activate the account, the user must then enter the PIN on our website or reply with a confirmation from their cell phone. The clear disclosures and double opt-in process ensures high levels of consumer protection and satisfaction. In the event that someone wants to cancel the service one can simply text "stop" to 654654 or call Customer Service and they will assist you. Again, we look forward to speaking with you and resolving any concerns which you may have."

"Sincerely,

Customer Service
PredictoMobile"

Now, doesn't that beat all? I was nice enough to try to tip them off, and they catch an attitude. OK. If they want credit for cheating my son on his cell phone bill, then I'll let them do that. They ought to read reviews more closely before posting apologies, and they ought to listen when someone tries to give them a helping hand (even when they don't deserve it either).

Found the Scam Company

I found the company that ripped off my son on the IQ test. It is Mobile Messenger as listed on the phone bill. The number that shows up when you get ripped is 44999.

We had an interesting conversation. The customer rep assured me that my son went through a three step process and got a PIN number to confirm he wanted the service.

When I said I did not think that was true (about the PIN) and also that my son cancelled, the guy looked up his account. My son said he pressed Stop as soon as he saw the $9.99 which popped AFTER he put in his phone number (not a PIN - and confirm paid service). Mobile Messenger records showed that he hit Stop one minute after activation, the next day and then a third time. In addition, I emailed to cancel. His account was still active - even with these stops on THEIR records.

I asked the customer rep if that three step sign up process and PIN thing work as well as the stop service which did not stop the service with 4 times cancelling. He still swore that the sign up was on the level, but he could not explain the problems with STOP.

I had a BLOCK put on Mobile Messenger (and I sure better not get charged for that or I'm really gonna get mad). The customer service guy said that they could not refund again and that they were doing me a favor this one time. I asked how I would get charged again with a block. He could not explain that either. I asked him if he was sure that the service was blocked. He said it was. So, I still wonder how they are going to rip me off again. If Mobile Messenger is blocked, then that does not make any sense at all.

Follow Up if You Get Ripped Off by Mobile Messenger

If you get scammed by Mobile Messenger, here is the contact information. Don't bother with the text stop. It does not work. The email is worthless too. I suggest calling, and I also recommend writing down the case number. Keep watching your bill too. I would not trust this company one little bit.

USA:
Email: escalationsus@sms-helpdesk.com
Phone: 1 800 416 6129

Last edited on Jan 03, 2009

IQ Test of IQ Quiz Online Scam is not recommended by CyndiA

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Comments about CyndiA’s Review

CyndiA wrote on Jun 9, 2009 at 6:00PM

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In response to S-MOBILEMESSENGER's comment from Jun 9, 2009 at 5:48PM:

Hi Sandra - I'd like for you to quit signing folks up for your service who don't want it and also fix that cancel button and the cancel text that don't work well. Perhaps you could stop routing services right through our cell phones and bill directly like other companies have to do. Those would be good places to start.

S-MOBILEMESSENGER wrote on Jun 9, 2009 at 5:48PM

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We at Mobile Messenger would like to assist you with your concern or complaint. If you need assistance in regards to being unsubscribed or other related issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please call 1-866-390-6184 Monday to Friday 0600 – 1800 US Pacific Time or email blog@sms-helpdesk.com

Sandra
MOBILE MESSENGER

CyndiA wrote on Jun 6, 2009 at 9:00AM

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In response to SparklyTiger's comment from Jun 5, 2009 at 11:39PM:

Glad you didn't give a number. This has been a real mess for a lot of people - kids and adults. Also, the online IQ test is bogus. You can intentionally put in wrong answers and get a high score.

SparklyTiger wrote on Jun 5, 2009 at 11:39PM

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Thanks for informin me. I am just a kid after all. I really wanted to find out what my IQ was. But every single one demanded my freakin phone number. Good thin I read this article. XD =)

Liz13 wrote on May 28, 2009 at 1:36AM

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Hello. I did those IQ quizzes for fun today. I thought it wasn't working, so I did it several times. I then realized they were charging me, so I texted every single one "Stop" and they said they removed me from the subscriptions. Will I be fine and not get billed? or should I call a number and have them take off my number off of their list? Please help. Thanks

CyndiA wrote on May 22, 2009 at 9:01AM

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In response to churchmusician54's comment from May 22, 2009 at 8:47AM:

Keep watching the bill. They ignore that stop text thing a lot. My son had done that, and they even had it on record. Still got billed. Shame on them. I hope they get stopped soon.

churchmusician54 wrote on May 22, 2009 at 8:47AM

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Thanks CyndiA this was very helpful. I unsubscribed from this rip off by texting STOP to it. Bottom line , DON'T take these stupid quizzes online. I will never take another one. Thanks again. Lonnie

CyndiA wrote on May 20, 2009 at 6:50PM

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In response to gretchon101's comment from May 18, 2009 at 2:22PM:

Stay after it. Double check that bill. Glad my story helped.

gretchon101 wrote on May 18, 2009 at 2:22PM

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i never actually entered a pin into the website to recieve results however I did enter my cell number and recieved the pin. I did the quiz twice and the second time I answered all the questions wrong intentionally just to see if i would still beat the "best score" and of course it did, that's when I realized it was a scam. So not sure if I was enrolled I checked my verizon account and it was clear, then I followed the prompts of the text and texted 44999 the word STOP like 4 times before it replied I wasn't suscribed to any services. I then decided to read a few reviews on this scam, and when I came across Cyndi's info, I called the 1800-416-6129 and they were nice to me, and removed my cell phone number off their texting list. Maybe this is because they have been caught in a scam, and have been forced to change their policy, thanks cyndia for all your help! I hope the didn't misslead me on this, its not even my cell plan, I'm under a family plan.. 5/18/2009 ~gretchen s.

MobileMessenger wrote on Apr 23, 2009 at 10:03AM

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We at Mobile Messenger would like to assist you with your concern or complaint. If you need assistance in regards to being unsubscribed or other related issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please call 1-800-416-6129 Monday to Friday 0600 – 1800 US Pacific Time or email escalationsus@sms-helpdesk.com

AnnaBanana wrote on Apr 7, 2009 at 4:40AM

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Boy, is THIS review a candle to light up the darkness. It is definitely a "keeper". I have enjoyed the "Click" IQ tests and games on my computer in the past but was able to cancel out with no problem. I think these outfits know that no one is really going to sit down and read all those "Terms and Conditions" which is how they get away with so much. Another thing is that I use my cell phone strictly for a few conversations here and there and don't use it for anything else. I don't trust it for any other use. I'll repeat that this was really a great review and I hope it has all been sorted out now.

CyndiA wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 9:36PM

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In response to MobileMessenger's comment from Apr 6, 2009 at 9:39AM:

If Mobile Messenger really CARED, the company would not charge phones through the cell phone companies. You would have a direct billing system and would not go through the cell phone companies where they make money on these scams as well. Anyone can Google your company and see the massive complaints and can also find the class action law suits against Mobile Messenger as well as against some of the cell phone companies that help make this scam work. I'm sorry you get stuck doing this lame PR posting online and hope you get paid well. The posts sound most lovely, but Mobile Messenger is a big scam, and you know it too.

MobileMessenger wrote on Apr 6, 2009 at 9:39AM

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We at Mobile Messenger would like to assist you with your concern or complaint. If you need assistance in regards to being unsubscribed or other related issues, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please call 1-800-416-6129, to speak to a live operator, Monday to Friday 0600 – 1800 US Pacific Time or email escalationsus@sms-helpdesk.com

CyndiA wrote on Mar 30, 2009 at 3:07PM

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In response to usrhlp's comment from Mar 30, 2009 at 8:01AM:

I hope the notes help others and also that the IQ and other scam companies stop it and that the cell phone companies have to take responsibility for participating. This is a really bad way of stealing money from people. Not that I know of any good or nice way to steal though.

usrhlp wrote on Mar 30, 2009 at 8:01AM

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That was good!! keep at it!

bumperjackjohn wrote on Mar 22, 2009 at 9:29PM

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In response to CyndiA's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 9:21PM:

I didn't waste any time reporting the 2 sites that i know of and i have joined this group .

Join the fight against phishing

Submit suspected phishes. Track the status of your submissions.
Verify other users' submissions. Develop software with our free API.

http://www.phishtank.com/

Contacted the site that robbed me for $ 2.95 , told them their days are numbered . I also have a blog on Facebook and My Yearbook about this , all in one day :-)

CyndiA wrote on Mar 22, 2009 at 9:21PM

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In response to bumperjackjohn's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 5:57PM:

Bless you. This really does need to be stopped. I wonder if reports to the Better Business Bureau would help?

bumperjackjohn wrote on Mar 22, 2009 at 5:57PM

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In response to CyndiA's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 5:46PM:

The IQ Quiz is on My Yearbook and I have warned everyone there . I will look into their legal rights and call my internet carrier . This is new to me and i am making it my purpose to expose them ( since i am disabled now and cant work ) I have nothing but time . John

CyndiA wrote on Mar 22, 2009 at 5:46PM

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In response to bumperjackjohn's comment from Mar 22, 2009 at 5:11PM:

Please do John - and let me know if I can do anything else to help stop them.

bumperjackjohn wrote on Mar 22, 2009 at 5:11PM

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Thank You for your comments . I too was scammed for $ 2.95 that could of turned into nearly $ 60 a month . I have a hatred for theses people and now i am looking for them and have one to add to the list . Will update you soon . John Walker

CyndiA wrote on Feb 6, 2009 at 8:13PM

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In response to wiredal's comment from Feb 5, 2009 at 11:42AM:

Be sure to watch your bill. They told me that they can't refund other than by check. I'm still waiting on that. Also, I will not be convinced they did cancel the service until I get the next bill and look. It has not arrived yet, but I'm going to look when it does come. I hope they did get you cancelled and hope they did not get any of your money.

wiredal wrote on Feb 5, 2009 at 11:42AM

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THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS INFO!!! All I did was click on a "So and So's IQ is 147, What's yours?" ad. It asked a few "IQ" questions and then asked for my cell phone number to send the results to. Well, I never did get any "results". I did keep getting random facts. Anyway, these people must be shaking in their boots, because the gentleman who answered when I called 1 800 416 6129 was VERY nice. All I did was ask if my phone number was on their subscription list. He said, "Yes. I will go ahead and cancel the service." I didn't even tell him that I wanted it canceled. (Which I did.) He gave me a confirmation number and a cancellation confirmation text message came to my phone. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

CyndiA wrote on Jan 6, 2009 at 5:57PM

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In response to dijana's comment from Jan 6, 2009 at 2:03PM:

That's great. USCellular loses money too when they do that, so I'm glad to hear that they did.

Do keep an eye on the bill - as I'm sure you'll do.

I think the main reason the cell phone scam works is because people are not paying attention and miss what is going on.

dijana wrote on Jan 6, 2009 at 2:03PM

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In response to CyndiA's comment from Jan 3, 2009 at 4:23PM:

Hi Cyndi, Thought I'd try my provider USCellular today first. Rep there said she would block any further charges from Mobile Messenger and reverse charge already on bill by going back to Mobile Messenger. Credit should apear on next statement. She said nothing further had come through from them, so as far as I know I've only been hit w/9.99 + tax. I'll wait and see what happens. Not in the mood to call those crooks today. I may tomorrow just as a backup. I'll keep you posted.

jazzybean01 wrote on Jan 3, 2009 at 6:04PM

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Whoa how crazy.

CyndiA wrote on Jan 3, 2009 at 4:23PM

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In response to dijana's comment from Jan 3, 2009 at 1:24PM:

Insist that they pull up your record when you call. That's how they found that my son tried to stop it one minute after he took that quiz and then two more times - and it still running. The guy on the phone tried to tell me that perhaps the kid took the test three times. Yeah. Right. If so, he needs that college scholarship cancelled pronto.

Hang in. Hold your ground. Don't let them confuse you on the phone. They try. I'd just say, "Now, you know that doesn't make any sense." I wasn't rude or loud. Just stating the obvious. There were a lot of issues like - his cell phone was billed the day before he got the service according to Mobile Messenger. Maybe they have crystal ball services as well and knew he would take the test the very next day. But, seriously, the records showed that he paid before he even got the service. And, they say they have everything in order. NOT.

Do let me know. I hope you get your money back too!

dijana wrote on Jan 3, 2009 at 1:24PM

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Thanks, Cyndi. Mobile Messenger with the 44999 is EXACTLY what appears on my phone bill. Did figure out how to text a stop (via internet primer) last night and did so 3x just like your son. Infuriates me to waste time and energy calling them, but that's next on my list for Monday. Like we all need more aggravation.

Appreciate so much all your legwork and time spent on this. I knew I couldn't be alone. I'll let you all know what happens when I know.

CyndiA wrote on Jan 3, 2009 at 8:54AM

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In response to dijana's comment from Jan 3, 2009 at 2:54AM:

Dijana-Check how the charge is listed. Our problem was with mobile messenger. If that's the one, I had to phone in person to get it cancelled. The phone number is listed at the bottom of the review.

It could be another company. There are several. Run the name on the cell bill through Google. Then look for the home site. Click around for contact info.

I dion't know how to text either, but my son does. He cancelled 3 x with that, and they did not cancel. It took a phone call to get them to stop - or so they said. I'm watching for the next bill.

dijana wrote on Jan 3, 2009 at 2:54AM

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This exact thing happened to me on 12/4. I called tel no. immediately to cancel. Got cell bill today - there is charge for 9.99 plus tax - 11.40 total. Just sent USCell an email to charge back and block any further charges. If I have to, I'll cancel cell service. These crooks should be in jail.

I just sent email to escalationsus@smshelpdesk.com as listed in one of your messages and it bounced back as undeliverable. I do not know how to text so cannot do this on my cell phone.

LoveisJoy wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 9:16PM

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What an ordeal! I'm so glad you've used this frustrating experience to warn other consumers. I will definitely be getting the word out to younger family members. Let us know how it turns out. :)

CyndiA wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 5:56PM

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In response to krislynn's comment from Jan 2, 2009 at 3:52AM:

Yes. These companies do target teens. I would never take an online or cell phone IQ test. I figure I'm smart or I'm not (-: I can live with that. The scam cell phone companies know just how to suck kids in, and they do it. That's the kind of thing that makes me really mad. It would be easier and more cost effective in terms of time to let it slide. I'm sure a lot of people do. On my end, it was leveling the playing field. They might be able to confuse a kid, but they aren't going to get me off track. It would have been well worth the $20 to get the information to share and to hopefully warn others. I did get the money back, and I doubt they want me to call again either.

CyndiA wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 5:48PM

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In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Jan 2, 2009 at 10:31AM:

It's probably a good thing that we got hit. I will do the research and will call and ask questions. Some people hesitate to make waves. I'm never rude - just firm. They tried to talk in circles, but I brought it back home again and again. I don't get scammed - often - and do not take it lightly (esp when they hit the boys). The boys were in the backgroun in "Go Momma" mode. They loved comments like, "If there are no problems with the sign up system, then why did it take three texts, an email and a call on cancellation?" That was never explained. They will talk you to death, but stick to your guns. Ask for a manager if you're not getting any help. And, help others when you can. That's how I do it, and I hope this review does save others a lot of headaches.

MikeMaroon wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 10:31AM

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Unfortunately cell phone spam and rip-offs like this are all too common, and, by targeting everyone, they get the people who are unaware until it is too late. The only way to protect yourself is education and never clicking on ANYTHING you don't know for sure what it is or where it came from. Thank you for educating everyone. Great job and I'm sorry you had to go through that. There ought to be special jails with a 4 hour daily stint in an Iron Maiden for everyone who scams people like this.

krislynn wrote on Jan 2, 2009 at 3:52AM

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Cyndi, Thank you for the informative review and all the comments below. I haven't heard about this scam. It's probably because I don't have a teenager yet! ~Krista Lynn

CyndiA wrote on Jan 1, 2009 at 11:23PM

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In response to GigiandAdonai's comment from Jan 1, 2009 at 11:11PM:

Another tip - if the nephew is under 18, he can't legally enter a contact with the companies. Your nephew is almost certain to get the money back if a minor played the games.

CyndiA wrote on Jan 1, 2009 at 11:22PM

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Have them look at how the charge is listed - the company and a code number prob. It does sound like scam downloads. If I can help, let me know. I got on this one like white on rice. It really makes me mad that they do these so that it's usually teens or young 20-somethings that get tricked. I'm sure they would much rather deal with kids that big, mean, mad Momma Bear.

GigiandAdonai wrote on Jan 1, 2009 at 11:11PM

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I wonder if that is something like what my nephew had been doing. My brother gave my nephew a cell phone and never had any problems with it but then last month they got an $800+ bill and the Alltel rep said my nephew was accruing charges at $9.99 a pop. I definitely need to share this information with my brother and his wife because no one has yet to figure out how my nephew was able to make so many calls that cost $9.99 each. We know he wasn't texting because he had a block preventing him from sending/receing text messages or pictures. Thanks for a very informative review. ~Gigi

CyndiA wrote on Dec 31, 2008 at 2:18PM

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You can input information about bogus charges here. They say an attorney will review the info. It's a class action site. I do know that both PredictoMobile and Mobile Messenger have had to pay out on class action cases in the past.
http://www.classactionconnect.com/?q=node/680

CyndiA wrote on Dec 31, 2008 at 1:51PM

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The 44999 code number on my bill is just one of many codes used by Mobile Messenger. I went to a law site. Here is the list they collected of numbers that may be listed on your phone bill through Mobile Messenger: http://www.cellphonedownloads.class-action-admin.com/pdfs/MMG_ShortCodes.pdf

CyndiA wrote on Dec 31, 2008 at 12:25PM

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In response to CustomerCare's comment from Dec 29, 2008 at 12:37PM:

I called that number. The customer service rep sure was rude.

It seems that it's NOT your company that scammed my son.

I wonder why you thought you scammed my son?

bkovacs wrote on Dec 31, 2008 at 11:43AM

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Great info, Cyndi... thanks!

--Bob

AnnaBanana wrote on Dec 30, 2008 at 7:34PM

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Thanks for the heads-up!!!!

CyndiA wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 7:29PM

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Another blog post about the scam - says that it's auto with opening a text too and gives steps to get rid of this scam by PredictoMobile . . . . http://theosmblog.com/2008/11/29/get-rid-of-predictomobile/

CyndiA wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 7:25PM

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In response to Katrena's comment from Dec 27, 2008 at 7:49PM:

I am very fortunate that some lady at Sprint (and I won't call names or give my full name on this one) was kind enough to tell me this bill was monthly and would continue. She works there and got hit for two months as well with the cell phone download scam. I think it was a Momma moment on the phone, and she wanted to give me a clue there. I'm thankful. I hope to also help others.

Parents - do not blow your kids out on this one. It is sneaky. I do not, for a minute, think they really have that PIN thing and a confirmation that they say. If your kid said he or she really didn't do this, give him or her the benefit of the doubt.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 7:21PM

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In response to njchicaa's comment from Dec 29, 2008 at 2:02PM:

I certainly hope it helps. I suspect I'm only out $10 or $20 bucks. I'll bet others are getting soaked a lot more by this online IQ game scam by Predicto Mobile. Maybe they will find this review and get the charges turned off. I hope so.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 7:18PM

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In response to CustomerCare's comment from Dec 29, 2008 at 12:37PM:

Your PR dept must be very busy. I see that you nicely respond to all the complaints about your service.

First, I would note that it's next to impossible to read terms of service on a cell phone screen. Have you looked at one? How much text fits on there anyway? Not much.

Second, my son did NOT put in a PIN number. He is not a slow teen, and he is not one to lie. I don't say he's always right, but I am 100% certain that it is NOT the case that you sent him something to confirm and a PIN.

Third, I sent an email about this to customer service. Another PR note posted all over the web says that those emails are addressed in 48 hours. That was before the weekend. OK. The weekend may not count, but I'll still waiting . . .

I do not believe that there are as many idiots online as suggested by the PR notes that all these people who are complaining got fair warning. Come on. A few people may not figure it out. Most do. Really, how many take an IQ test and accidently sign up to pay you $10 a month forever? I do not need to take an IQ test to tell that doesn't make sense.

Thank you for taking the time to respond. The company must be spending a lot of money to make this all look like it's not a scam. Also - thank you for the company name - PredictoMobile. That will definately help in my research.

njchicaa wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 2:02PM

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Thanks for getting this information out there Cyndi.

CustomerCare wrote on Dec 29, 2008 at 12:37PM

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We are sorry to hear about your experience. Please note that we at PredictoMobile take customer satisfaction very seriously and would like to address any concerns. You can call us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-360-0518 so that we can resolve your inquiry. Keep in mind, our toll-free customer service number is also posted on our website as well as included in SMS messages sent to your phone.

Please note that a customer enrolls in our service by submitting their cell phone number on the PredictoMobile sign-up page which clearly explains the terms and conditions including price of service and billing to the cell phone. We then send the user a text message to their personal cell phone which again details this information. In order to activate the account, the user must then enter the PIN on our website or reply with a confirmation from their cell phone. The clear disclosures and double opt-in process ensures high levels of consumer protection and satisfaction. In the event that someone wants to cancel the service one can simply text “stop” to 654654 or call Customer Service and they will assist you. Again, we look forward to speaking with you and resolving any concerns which you may have.

Sincerely,

Customer Service
PredictoMobile

Katrena wrote on Dec 27, 2008 at 7:49PM

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Lots of great info here--looks like you've done a lot of research for this review and responding to questions. Sounds like a scam that's easy to get burned on. Knowing that the cell phone company gets a slice of the pie makes it even worse. Glad you at least spoke with someone who was helpful.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 27, 2008 at 6:00PM

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Thanks Laurie! Please warn esp young people. They are used to doing the fun surveys and such online. These companies with the "free" ringtones and IQ tests and other such scams are really doing a number on younger cell phone users.

LaurieM wrote on Dec 27, 2008 at 1:25PM

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This is a very helpful review Cyndi. Thanks for the information.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 11:56PM

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"If a consumer would like to be unsubscribed from anyone of our clients campaigns, it is very simple, they can send in the word STOP to the shortcode eg 33999, send an email to our contact centre escalationsus@smshelpdesk.com or call our USA Contact Centre on 1 800 416 6129. These instructions are also provided on all advertising material, the original welcome message and the billing reminder messages they receive each month." This is worth a try I guess. Sure would be a lot easier if they did not scam people to start with. Will update if they stop scamming me.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 11:49PM

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Florida zapped AT&T earlier this year for this kind of online scamming - http://myfloridalegal.com/newsrel.nsf/newsreleases/4641E1C60FB29763852573FE004E6338 Wish North Carolina would hit it hard too.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 11:02PM

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If you got ripped off BEFORE August 2008, then you can file here http://www.cellphonedownloads.class-action-admin.com/index.html If you got ripped off after, then I don't know.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:45PM

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Check out the class action suit against Mobile Messanger at http://classactionconnect.com/cell_phone_issues/2008/09/26/mobile-messenger-americas-inc-mobile-content-settlement/ And, don't make Momma mad even if it is just $9.99.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:43PM

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The charge is listed as Mobile Messenger Alerts - http://www.mobilemessenger.com/homepage.html They offer services to onliners including those who scam cell phone users. I'm getting closer to getting this figured out.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 10:31PM

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If you want to read more about people who are scammed with the $9.99 charges, then see http://classactionconnect.com/cell_phone_issues/2008/08/13/predictomobile-llc-dba-predictomobile%E2%84%A2-andor-predicto-654654/ Just cut and paste that. Bummer. My kid is definately not the only one.

CyndiA wrote on Dec 26, 2008 at 9:35PM

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In response to awlafon's comment from Dec 26, 2008 at 9:32PM:

I sure hope people do get the message about this online scam. It was bad enough that I got the $9.99 charge to pay and that it is ongoing but hope to stop it for next month. When I searched and got that trojan horse stuff (which I'm not sure was even true), I was really freaked. I can't even try to read about the IQ quiz scam without getting jacked over again. Someone really needs to do something about this terrible online trick. It's not one bit funny. They'll get me for at least close $20 at the best I can do. And, I can't find a thing to do about it.