SMS Scam - please read!

Hi all - I had a "scammer" experience regarding my cell phone bill. Read further to find out how to protect yourself!!

I was checking our voice/sms usage on our Verizon bill and noticed a $9.99 charge for Premium TXT Messaging. Not sure what that was, I called Verizon - they told me it was "SMS Gamer Info" via sms # 9700. Verizon told me that they could not refund the charges, but to call this number 866-606-7216 and request a cancellation. So I did. I also googled this number and found this "consumer alert" comment site:

I called the number, and it was obvious this went to an outsourced call center. I asked for a cancellation, gave my number, and was told my account was cancelled. I then asked for a credit be given, which they agreed to. Phone call over. I started getting the feeling that I was never going to get my money back - so I decided to call them back. The call agent answered and I told them I had just cancelled my account and that I would like an email confirming I will receive a credit.

SCAMMER: "Yes, your account has been cancelled and you will receive a credit." [WTF? I'm calling from my mother's phone!]

ME: "what number am I calling about?" [no answer]
SCAMMER: I will double check for you - what is the number you are calling about?

ME: 251-340-xxxx -- [this was our old landline phone number that we canceled about 6 months ago.]
[Long Pause.]

SCAMMER: Yes, this account has been cancelled
ME: Please send me an email stating that it has been cancelled and that I will receive a full credit.
SCAMMER: I'm sorry, but we are unable to send the email you requested.
ME: How will I get my refund?
SCAMMER: You will receive a check in a few weeks.
ME: What address are you going to send it to? [can you see where this is going?]
SCAMMER: We have limited customer information, the Finance department will send you the check.
ME: I would like to speak with this department to make sure they have the right address because I have moved recently.
SCAMMER: Well what is the address?
ME: You can go ahead and transfer me.....

At this point, I decided I was fed up enough and started to ask "Are you scamming me?", but the call was disconnected before I got it all out.

So basically I just got shafted for $20 (2 months) that I did not authorize. Someone is responsible, and that someone is VERIZON. Called them back - I actually got a more helpful rep on the phone who assisted as much as she could. In the end (so far), I was able to get the Premium TXT Messaging blocked, and one month's charge ($9.99) credited.
You can stick your tongue out at me and call me names all you want....just don't F*** with my money.

So - my advice to you:

1. Check your bills for any weird charges
2. Be Proactive! Get your carrier to block "Premium Text Messaging)
1. ** with this feature blocked, you won't be able to vote for American Idol or get those stupid ringtones (PhoneZoo is free, people!)**
3. If you have this on your bill, take your carrier to task. They should be able to credit your account for at least one month (I'm not done bugging mine about the remaining charge.)
4. Lastly, ask your carrier how to cancel this fradulent account.

Good luck!
-Jeff