Identity behind and costs involved in texting an anonymous message

[buildersmate]

I have started to receive promotional material on my mobile by text. It doesn't come from a number beginning 07, but from a 5 digit code beginning with an 8. It urges me to text back in order to receive a free this or that. More msgs then appeared from an identity called itself +100 urging me to text the original number or text STOP back to the 5 digit number beginning with the 8. I ignored it since I figured it would cost me money to text stop. Finally I received another msg from an 8 digit identity starting with a 2, referring back to the first text.

3 questions. Is there are way of finding out which organisation is behind these nuisances (I know how to turn them off via TPS). How can I find out what costs are involved in texting a 5 digit code. What is behind the identity +100? I'm on Vodafone, if that matters.

[peterd]

Can only help on part of this, I know someone who replied by text to a text starting 8. This was charged at �1.50. To unsubscribe there is another charge of �1.50 + I think an extra �1.00. Once you reply to the first msge they will send a few texts at a time from different no's. So each you time you try & cancel it costs you �1.50 (+ maybe a further �1.00). Not sure where yr texts are coming from but I wouldn'tt reply to any of them. May be worth speaking to Vodafone direct.

[drinki]

Short digit numbers 5/6 is known as �short-code dialling�
This should be used by large businesses/organisations that dial a lot of numbers.
The short code is easy to input & manage. The numbers are put into a telephone system or dialler and managed by a web-based interface for ease of use. Unfortunately many unscrupulous companies have seen this as a good way of ripping off mobile users. OFFCOM the group that should police the telecoms industry have no teeth and have been slow to react to this phone scam.

My advice would be those unless your company uses short code dialling as soon as a message comes through delete it. Another scam to be aware off is when you get a message warning you of an �urgent network message�; again this is a premium rate charged message.

Beware, if in doubt delete the message if someone wants you that badly they will call you��

GD