Jul 26, 2006 11:51 am US/Eastern
3 On Your Side: Financial Dangers Of Ringtones
by Jim Donovan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Whether you download a ringtone, game, or screensaver, there are so many ways to personalize your cell phone. However, as
3 On Your Side's Jim Donovan warns when you sign on for some services, you maybe dialing up more than you bargained for.
Alan Coughlin was looking to jazz up his cell phone when an online ad caught his eye.
"It told me to enter my phone number, and I'd receive a free ringtone," said Coughlin, adding, "I did so, and my phone rang a minute later with the new ringtone on it."
The new tune was music to Alan's ears until a mysterious fee appeared on his phone bill.
"I never purchased anything in my mind," said Coughlin.
Alan unknowingly signed up for a ringtone service.
Consumer advocates say it's all about the fine print.
"We've seen a rather dramatic rise in the number of complaints about customers being unable to get these ringtone charges off their bills," said Michael Shames of Utility Consumers Action Network.
The mobile marketing association says consumers are given clear subscription details at sign up in the site's "terms and conditions" or, if ordering by cell phone.
"They are sent the information in that text message about how to opt out, how much they're being charged, how to request help," explained Laura Marriott of Mobile Marketing Association.
But if you want to prevent costly surprises, ask your carrier to block third party charges and then, "You have to authorize them in advance in order to have these things charged to your bill," added Shames.
T-mobile, Sprint and Verizon wireless tell us they offer refunds and 100-percent satisfaction guarantees related to premium services like ring tones.
While Cingular says it requires outside companies to get two positive responses from a customer before selling any ringtone or service.
(© MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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