Every now and then on the Internet you can find offers to pay for a certain service by sending an SMS to a special short number. The plus is that it is easy to remember, and even mobile operators use it. How can you avoid becoming a victim of scammers and save money?
Instructions
Step 1
Before you send an SMS, carefully read the terms of the paid service. Most often they are indicated in small print at the bottom of the page. There should be no vague wording.
Step 2
Find and be sure to study all the points of the user agreement. The document is voluminous, but after reading it, you can avoid financial losses. Pay attention to whether it is indicated there that by sending an SMS, you automatically subscribe to an unlimited (or for a certain period) provision of the service. If so, a certain amount will be automatically deducted from your mobile phone balance without your approval. Find information regarding the validity period of the connected service.
Step 3
Carefully read the information about the cost of the service you are paying and the amount to send the text message. This information is usually located at the bottom of the page and attracts little attention to itself. If the exact cost is not specified, refrain from sending SMS.
Step 4
Contact your mobile operator and ask for the cost of sending an SMS to this short number. If the amount announced by the operator is higher than the one indicated on the site, consider whether it is worth sending a message.
Step 5
You can find information about the cost of sending a text message on one of the many Internet sites. Enter the short number in the special field of such a resource, and in response you will receive information about the cost based on the information of subscribers. There you can also read user responses. For example, if in response to the first SMS you are required to send another, subscribers will definitely write about it.
Step 6
If you are satisfied with the terms and cost, create a simple text message by entering the characters that are required of you. When sending (instead of the subscriber's number in the usual format), enter the short number. Press the send message button.
