ARE YOU A ‘PREMIUM’ SCAM VICTIM? HERE’S WHAT TO DO NEXT

FOR those unlucky enough to fall victim to a premium text scam there is no single, simple solution.

In theory, premium text service providers should offer you an ‘opt out’ option on the text, but that is not always the case. You can simply hit the reply button and text ‘STOP’, but mobile phone network operators admit this doesn’t always work.

Your mobile phone company can also offer to block premium text numbers, but operators admit this is not always effective.

A good first port of call is the Phone-paid Services Authority (PSA) website. You can tap in the text number via its search facility and it should give you the contact details of the service provider. With that you can call or email the company and call a halt to charges, but they may insist on proof of payment. If you do remit them a bill it would be wise to blank out your address.

If you want to recover your money, you may well have to be prepared for a fight.

Threatening to complain to the PSA may work but online forums suggest this is not a given.

If the PSA decides to pursue an action against the provider because there is a wider problem then you may be eligible for a refund. If you think you have been the victim of criminal activity you should go to the police.

But this appears to be a grey area legally – from personal experience – because how consent was given remains opaque.

Have you been caught out by a charge for an incoming premium text? Email personalfinance@ mailonsunday.co.uk.