Fraudulent billing to premium numbers
Solved
emsi
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Nina -
Nina -
Hello,
Upon receiving my phone bill dated February 20 for usage recorded up to February 10, I was surprised to find an exorbitant amount for calls to special numbers. I am charged 105.45 euros for calls concentrated on January 26 from 1:33 PM to 4:48 PM (9 calls) to 0899191575, then from 4:59 PM to 9:38 PM (6 calls) to 0899194321, on February 1 from 8:05 PM to 8:07 PM (2 calls) to 0899191575, then from 8:13 PM to 8:27 PM (4 calls) to 0899194321, and on February 9 from 3:38 PM to 3:42 PM (3 calls) to 0899194321, then from 4:15 PM to 5:13 PM (40 calls!!!) to 0899193456, totaling 64 calls in 9 hours and 12 minutes over 3 days!!! I did not make these calls and was at home during these days and times, I attest that no one made these calls.
My operator is 9 telecom, and I am fully unbundled, so it is my operator who is charging me for these calls.
Upon receiving this bill, I sent a registered letter to my operator to express my astonishment and informed them under oath that I did not make these calls.
My operator responds that these calls were indeed "made from my telephone line." My operator invites me to contact ARCEP (French Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts) to find out which company these special numbers are assigned to... which I did!
Shock! These numbers are assigned to... 9 Cegetel!!!
Have you ever faced this issue? What can I do to get reimbursed for these communications? And for those that may have been charged since February 9 until my consumption credit limit.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Upon receiving my phone bill dated February 20 for usage recorded up to February 10, I was surprised to find an exorbitant amount for calls to special numbers. I am charged 105.45 euros for calls concentrated on January 26 from 1:33 PM to 4:48 PM (9 calls) to 0899191575, then from 4:59 PM to 9:38 PM (6 calls) to 0899194321, on February 1 from 8:05 PM to 8:07 PM (2 calls) to 0899191575, then from 8:13 PM to 8:27 PM (4 calls) to 0899194321, and on February 9 from 3:38 PM to 3:42 PM (3 calls) to 0899194321, then from 4:15 PM to 5:13 PM (40 calls!!!) to 0899193456, totaling 64 calls in 9 hours and 12 minutes over 3 days!!! I did not make these calls and was at home during these days and times, I attest that no one made these calls.
My operator is 9 telecom, and I am fully unbundled, so it is my operator who is charging me for these calls.
Upon receiving this bill, I sent a registered letter to my operator to express my astonishment and informed them under oath that I did not make these calls.
My operator responds that these calls were indeed "made from my telephone line." My operator invites me to contact ARCEP (French Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts) to find out which company these special numbers are assigned to... which I did!
Shock! These numbers are assigned to... 9 Cegetel!!!
Have you ever faced this issue? What can I do to get reimbursed for these communications? And for those that may have been charged since February 9 until my consumption credit limit.
Thank you in advance for your help.
Configuration: Windows XP Internet Explorer 6.0
18 réponses
Hello,
I am in the same situation as you.
I have been experiencing abusive billing for the past 6 months on numbers that I have never called.
Mostly during the day, but I am at work during the day...
Do you have any template letters for making a complaint?
What have been the results of your actions to date?
Looking forward to your responses,
Best regards,
Naj
I am in the same situation as you.
I have been experiencing abusive billing for the past 6 months on numbers that I have never called.
Mostly during the day, but I am at work during the day...
Do you have any template letters for making a complaint?
What have been the results of your actions to date?
Looking forward to your responses,
Best regards,
Naj
Good evening,
For the past few months, I've been charged a few cents by Orange (between 2 and 11 cents... I know, it’s not much, but multiplied by the number of customers, it must add up!!!) for services (Orange World, Orange TV, Orange Music, etc.) that I never use. In fact, I wouldn't even know how to use them, I don't even know what they're talking about!! This process is completely scandalous, if not outright theft. Does anyone have this issue??? I think many of us are in this situation, so let’s rise up! If we don’t speak up, we are agreeing to these bandit tactics. I look forward to your responses.
Sincerely scammed, wake up!
For the past few months, I've been charged a few cents by Orange (between 2 and 11 cents... I know, it’s not much, but multiplied by the number of customers, it must add up!!!) for services (Orange World, Orange TV, Orange Music, etc.) that I never use. In fact, I wouldn't even know how to use them, I don't even know what they're talking about!! This process is completely scandalous, if not outright theft. Does anyone have this issue??? I think many of us are in this situation, so let’s rise up! If we don’t speak up, we are agreeing to these bandit tactics. I look forward to your responses.
Sincerely scammed, wake up!
Hello,
I'm interested in your case because I notice that having called fixed numbers of friends starting with 09, I was charged by Neuf even though I have an unlimited internet + landline plan, etc.
I just sent a complaint by mail since they deliberately provide no contact email, forcing you to use a premium rate number. With Neuf, we are in a gangster world...
I look forward to your solution to recover a credit for these undue charges?
Best regards.
I'm interested in your case because I notice that having called fixed numbers of friends starting with 09, I was charged by Neuf even though I have an unlimited internet + landline plan, etc.
I just sent a complaint by mail since they deliberately provide no contact email, forcing you to use a premium rate number. With Neuf, we are in a gangster world...
I look forward to your solution to recover a credit for these undue charges?
Best regards.
Hello,
I have the same problem as you "car 42", Neuf charged me for numbers starting with 09, from April until May, and since June 1st they still appear in the detail of special numbers but they are no longer charged. Before April, I didn't call these numbers beginning with 09, so I don't know, and in Neuf's pricing on their website, they don't mention numbers starting with 09.
You who sent a complaint, can you enlighten me and tell me what the situation is?
Is there a change in pricing since June 1st?
Were they wrong to charge me from April to May?
I called Neuf's billing service and they are unable to answer me.
Thank you for your response.
Best regards.
I have the same problem as you "car 42", Neuf charged me for numbers starting with 09, from April until May, and since June 1st they still appear in the detail of special numbers but they are no longer charged. Before April, I didn't call these numbers beginning with 09, so I don't know, and in Neuf's pricing on their website, they don't mention numbers starting with 09.
You who sent a complaint, can you enlighten me and tell me what the situation is?
Is there a change in pricing since June 1st?
Were they wrong to charge me from April to May?
I called Neuf's billing service and they are unable to answer me.
Thank you for your response.
Best regards.
I have exactly the same thing happening to me!! 9 consecutive calls on the same day, all afternoon to 0899378939. For €80 out of plan.
They tell me that someone broke into my house to make phone calls "the joke"
Fantomas slipped under the door, damn it!!
So after saying that I wouldn't pay, it's intrium justicia that took care of my case.
I immediately informed them of my intention to tell them to go screw themselves (let's keep it polite)
And now it’s the turn of a bailiff who I believe will end up like in the movie “Les 3 Frères” if he asks me for even a cent.
So before I get even more upset, I would like to know who else has recently experienced this?
Let’s take collective action!
SFR is asking me to have my line examined to prove that I didn't make the calls, but the examination costs €150, which exceeds the overcharging of €80... Clever, huh...
They tell me that someone broke into my house to make phone calls "the joke"
Fantomas slipped under the door, damn it!!
So after saying that I wouldn't pay, it's intrium justicia that took care of my case.
I immediately informed them of my intention to tell them to go screw themselves (let's keep it polite)
And now it’s the turn of a bailiff who I believe will end up like in the movie “Les 3 Frères” if he asks me for even a cent.
So before I get even more upset, I would like to know who else has recently experienced this?
Let’s take collective action!
SFR is asking me to have my line examined to prove that I didn't make the calls, but the examination costs €150, which exceeds the overcharging of €80... Clever, huh...
Hello,
I realized today that I had excess charges of €35.60 for calls to special numbers as well as to non-geographic fixed numbers.
However, I never call special numbers and during the day I am at work and there’s no one at home.
SFR told me that it couldn't be hacking.... so what is it then????
They are opening a dispute file but I still have to pay my bill anyway grrrrrr.
I realized today that I had excess charges of €35.60 for calls to special numbers as well as to non-geographic fixed numbers.
However, I never call special numbers and during the day I am at work and there’s no one at home.
SFR told me that it couldn't be hacking.... so what is it then????
They are opening a dispute file but I still have to pay my bill anyway grrrrrr.
Hello
I dare not say that just like you, my plan was blocked by Sosh today due to 300 € of out-of-plan charges from 08 99 24.. and 08 90 71.. made between May 10 and May 12, 2016, and they waited until today to block me. All of these calls are consecutive: 5:00 PM, 5:01 PM, 5:02 PM, all a few seconds apart, even 3 at the same time. I had to contact them by email today since there's no hotline, and I’m waiting anxiously because I’m disheartened; I don’t understand why they don’t block it before such an amount. Is there any hope of getting a refund?
I dare not say that just like you, my plan was blocked by Sosh today due to 300 € of out-of-plan charges from 08 99 24.. and 08 90 71.. made between May 10 and May 12, 2016, and they waited until today to block me. All of these calls are consecutive: 5:00 PM, 5:01 PM, 5:02 PM, all a few seconds apart, even 3 at the same time. I had to contact them by email today since there's no hotline, and I’m waiting anxiously because I’m disheartened; I don’t understand why they don’t block it before such an amount. Is there any hope of getting a refund?
Hello, I am currently reviewing my Neuf Cegetel invoice and I have the unpleasant surprise of noticing a charge of 150 euros for the number 0899194321!! Could you let me know if you were able to resolve your issue, and if so, how? Thank you.
Hello,
have you resolved your issue?
If not, do you have a modem between your PC and your box?
I think you have a dialer on your PC that automatically makes calls to these numbers.
Thank you for keeping me informed.
Sincerely
have you resolved your issue?
If not, do you have a modem between your PC and your box?
I think you have a dialer on your PC that automatically makes calls to these numbers.
Thank you for keeping me informed.
Sincerely
Hello,
It seems that Neuf has taken a wicked pleasure in charging for calls to 09xxx since the beginning of the year.
But since June 1st, 2008, Neuf has had to change its pricing and calls to 095xxx will be included in the unlimited plan!
It seems that Neuf has taken a wicked pleasure in charging for calls to 09xxx since the beginning of the year.
But since June 1st, 2008, Neuf has had to change its pricing and calls to 095xxx will be included in the unlimited plan!
Hello,
Yes, the numbers with the prefix 09 that were supposed to be free were incorrectly billed by Neuf.
Regarding my issue of excessive billing for special numbers with the prefix 08, I have not received any compensation from Neuf and have even seen further unjustified charges.
I also contacted the DGCCRF, who quickly replied that they would reach out to Neuf for... I don't know what, as it ended up being without any effect.
Nevertheless, the DGCCRF sent me a very comprehensive list of different avenues for recourse, including local consumer associations. However, as these companies know, I lack the time and energy to fight back.
On the other hand, Neuf, which does not offer the option like Orange to block access to special numbers, does have the possibility to limit the amount of billing... the lowest amount being €30... it's already something!
Good luck to everyone in your fight against billing abuses!
Yes, the numbers with the prefix 09 that were supposed to be free were incorrectly billed by Neuf.
Regarding my issue of excessive billing for special numbers with the prefix 08, I have not received any compensation from Neuf and have even seen further unjustified charges.
I also contacted the DGCCRF, who quickly replied that they would reach out to Neuf for... I don't know what, as it ended up being without any effect.
Nevertheless, the DGCCRF sent me a very comprehensive list of different avenues for recourse, including local consumer associations. However, as these companies know, I lack the time and energy to fight back.
On the other hand, Neuf, which does not offer the option like Orange to block access to special numbers, does have the possibility to limit the amount of billing... the lowest amount being €30... it's already something!
Good luck to everyone in your fight against billing abuses!
Hello everyone, I find myself in the same situation. I also have bills for special numbers that neither I nor my wife dialed; the invoices are between €150 and €300 per month for the past four months. I am at war with CLUB-internet, which claims that it’s me or my wife who calls these filthy numbers and they refuse to listen to anything! Moreover, the people on the phone barely speak French; they are incompetent and the managers are unreachable (which is normal because otherwise, they would get my hand in their face immediately!). I'm convinced they are thieves and I am going to file a complaint with the TGI and the DGCCRF for these UNACCEPTABLE practices, and afterwards, I will go back to the historical operator! At least they are expensive, but they don’t steal from us.
Attention! The historical operator also bills for numbers starting with 08, which my 82-year-old mother, who doesn't have a computer, was surprised to see 17 special numbers appear on her last 2 bills. These calls were supposedly made at 11:32 PM several nights, when at that time... she is asleep. I will call France Telecom this morning.
Good evening Marie,
Have you solved your mother's problem? Because for my part, I'm having the same issue with my 75-year-old father who is facing exorbitant bills and countless text messages knowing that he doesn't know how to write a text, the worst part is the calls made to 08 numbers that he has never made.
Have you solved your mother's problem? Because for my part, I'm having the same issue with my 75-year-old father who is facing exorbitant bills and countless text messages knowing that he doesn't know how to write a text, the worst part is the calls made to 08 numbers that he has never made.
I have the same problem with Orange. 4 numbers and more than 150 calls in a week. The subscription is still in my grandfather's name. Since it's a house with constant traffic, it's impossible for all these numbers to be dialed. The only solution found so far is to block calls to the 08 numbers. By explaining the situation to them (sometimes insisting), Orange agrees not to charge for these special numbers.
Hello everyone, abusing technology,
I am also in the same situation as you.
My ISP SFR NEUF charged me €200 for excess charges due to special numbers.
I am shocked by this abusive billing.
I then contacted 1077 at the cancellation service where I spoke with a pleasant woman who forwarded my case to the complaints department. From there, she assured me that I would hear back regarding this billing within 2 to 3 days.
I will keep you updated on the progress of my situation.
I am also in the same situation as you.
My ISP SFR NEUF charged me €200 for excess charges due to special numbers.
I am shocked by this abusive billing.
I then contacted 1077 at the cancellation service where I spoke with a pleasant woman who forwarded my case to the complaints department. From there, she assured me that I would hear back regarding this billing within 2 to 3 days.
I will keep you updated on the progress of my situation.
I forgot to mention the special numbers: 0892011000 which corresponds to the company PRUSODIE and 0899230515 assigned to COLT Telecommunications France.
That's it for me.
That's it for me.
The number you mentioned corresponds to a number given by the children's site "cromimi," which allows them to earn money for their games. Most children use this number behind their parents' backs, and it's a big surprise when the bill comes. They try to claim that they're not responsible, but the facts are here and the evidence is on the bill too!!
So they called me in the afternoon, but it was my mother who answered, and they asked if I could send them a bank account details again. To be continued...
Hello,
I'm in the same situation, 70 euros of non-composed special numbers, and Nine says it's normal, it's me !! But it's their scam to inflate our bills, yes!!! I'm fed up with all this!! What to do, cancel and block, is that it?
I'm in the same situation, 70 euros of non-composed special numbers, and Nine says it's normal, it's me !! But it's their scam to inflate our bills, yes!!! I'm fed up with all this!! What to do, cancel and block, is that it?
By going to the DGCCRF website (http://www.finances.gouv.fr/DGCCRF/), it seems that there is also the option to consult in writing at box 5000.
I will keep you updated.
I have the same problem as you with Neuf. For several months now, my bill has been inflated by a few euros. Since the additional amount wasn't huge, it took me a long time to notice. The numbers called are business service lines, and the calls are made in the evening and last less than 2 minutes. I have no way to prove that I didn't make these calls because they always occur in the evening around 8/9 PM. However, I am certain that I didn't dial these numbers. I called Neuf and, of course, they treated me like I was crazy. They refuse to do anything because they think it's the only way I found to get reimbursed for the calls. Have you contacted the fraud prevention authorities? Has there been any follow-up to your inquiry?
Thank you for your help.
I did indeed consult the DCCGRF, which responded by sending me a very comprehensive file of consumer associations that can address these issues.
On its part, the DCCGRF had committed to intervening with Neuf. If this intervention took place, it had no effect on Neuf since the billing continued for quite some time. The only way I managed to significantly reduce my bill was by personally limiting my consumption (by calling Neuf's customer service).
However, there are still special numbers being charged that I am sure I did not dial, just like you. I wonder if it is not the consultation of websites that automatically dials these numbers.
However, for the past 2 weeks, I have not had a computer connected behind my Neuf Box... I will therefore know for sure when I receive my next bill.
Good luck!
Marie-Christine
Can you confirm if you have used this software?
What should I do?
Who should I contact?
What about your problems from a few years ago?
Thank you.