Just tax the stupid people

[kingandy]

I saw this coming a mile off - it's clear from the Jamster TV adverts that they're trying to trick people into joining subscription services that they don't know how to leave. (The unsubscription details are only available on the same ad as tells you how to join, so you have to catch the advert again and manage to read the quick-scrolling terms and conditions that run across the bottom of the screen. Unless you're aware that texting "STOP" to the automated number is the default mechanism.)

It's possible that they've kept within the letter of the law (since they have in fact provided unsub details, and at first point of contact no less), but it's a clear Rule 7 violation...

ETA: I'm slightly dubious about a BBC reporter using her position to publicise a problem she's had with a particular company. In this case, yes, I've long thought that Jamster are A FORCE FOR EVIL AND TO BE STOPPED, but still, this sort of personal agenda should be scrutinised. In fairness, attributing the article to a specific writer does reduce the need for objectivity - it's clearly editorial in nature. But still.

Comments

[phil-girl.livejournal.com]

Tell me about it - We got Sophie a pay as you go phone and she subscribed to one of these numbers thinking she was downloading one ring tone.

We couldn't get them to stop (the fact that she was 11 had no effect on the company) and by this point there were so many texts queued that when she turned her phone on it ate all her credit.

Cue the new phone and Sim Card and strict instructions that she's not allowed to download anything.

[nattydreadi.livejournal.com]

replying 'stop' is the way to do it, however downloading is safe from actual network content as the networks do not provide subscription services. If she has wap access on the phone, anything that she can download from WAP will be a one off charge.

[phil-girl.livejournal.com]

Unfortunaltely, we couldn't reply 'Stop'. When we turned the phone on, the credit went, so we had none to send 'Stop'.