How H can It I stop ‘ ‘Vipgames4u’ texts?

QI’ve been getting texts that say “Freemsg:reminder. You are subscribed to UK vipgames4u for £4.50 per 1 week from VIPGAMES4U until you text STOP to 64055. HELP? 020337349268”. I don’t remember signing up to ‘Vipgames4u’, and I don’t want to pay £4.50 for it. What should I do? Brian Webb

AFirst things first: Brian must text STOP to the shortcode provided (64055). Many people in a similar position make the mistake of replying to such messages, which companies usually ignore because they want to keep taking the monthly payment off them.

We checked the number Brian gave us and it appears the service was set up in May this year, and closed in June. We’ve asked the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA), which regulates premium-rate numbers, to investigate.

Alternatively Brian can ask his network provider for the company’s details. If Brian doesn’t get a response, he can escalate his complaint to the PSA by submitting an online complaint (via the contact details at www.snipca. com/25430).

We don’t know how Vipgames4u got hold of Brian’s mobile number, though it was probably through an online survey he completed or a competition he entered. It’s shockingly easy to get caught out this way, particularly if boxes in the small print are pre-ticked, allowing companies to gather your details.

If you’re plagued by similar messages, type the sender’s number into the ‘Numberchecker’ box on the PSA’S website ( http://psauthority.org.uk, see screenshot above). This will bring up the company’s details, assuming the number is recognised. You may need to type a CAPTCHA code to see this.