Saving ideas from Martin Lewis (From Worcester News)

Saving ideas from Martin Lewis

11:30am Thursday 28th July 2011 in Features

I ASKED more than 4,000 users of my website and 95 per cent have received spam texts in the last sixth months. If you get them, here’s what to do.

There are three different types of unwanted marketing texts. It’s important to understand which you’ve got, so you can work out how to deal with them.

Unwanted marketing texts

While annoying, these are legal and often pop up after you’ve bought or ordered goods and have forgotten to opt out of marketing.

How to spot ’em: They’re usually from normal mobile numbers and if legit should include the sender’s company name and contact details.

How to stop ’em: Once you’re sure it’s not a spam text (see below), simply reply STOP. If they don’t, call the company and ask it to stop. If it still won’t play ball, contact the Information Commissioner’s Office on 030 31231113 or via ico.gov.uk.

Premium texts

These land in your inbox and charge you to receive them. In most cases, phone owners are unaware they’ve unwittingly signed up for the service, often from a ringtone, music or weather/news update service.

How to spot ’em: They usually come from four, five or six-digit mobile numbers.

How to stop ’em: Simply text STOP or STOP ALL. If they persist call your network.

To claim your money back, if you didn’t subscribe, note down the number and contact the regulator on 0800 500212 or via phonepayplus.org.uk.

The real spam texts

Peddlers tend to be hunting business eg. personal accident, payday loan firms, debt write-off operators, tax rebate claims.

How to spot ’em: It’ll be from a normal 11-digit mobile phone number, but this time don’t text STOP as this will just show your number is active.

How to stop ’em: These companies can be based abroad, which makes doing anything difficult, but to minimise spam in the future report it to your network provider. O2: forward message to 7726; Vodafone: forward message to 87726; Orange: forward message to 7726; T-Mobile: report to customer services.

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TV money guru Martin Lewis runs the consumer revenge website MoneySavingExpert.com Ensure you get his weekly e-mail so you’re constantly saving money.