Medium riskText Message Scams

Premium SMS Subscription Text Scam

This scam signs you up to a premium-rate SMS service, often after a quiz, competition, or app, then charges you for each message received, with vague opt-out instructions that are hard to act on.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Premium-rate subscription trap
Main red flag
Recurring premium-rate texts and charges for a service you do not remember joining.
What to do first
Reply STOP only to confirmed premium services, and ask your carrier to block premium SMS.

What this scam usually looks like

This scam signs you up to a premium-rate SMS service, often after a quiz, competition, or app, then charges you for each message received, with vague opt-out instructions that are hard to act on.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'You are subscribed to DailyQuizClub for $4.99/week. To opt out reply STOP.' You do not recall signing up, and charges continue.

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • Charges for texts you did not knowingly sign up to
  • Vague service names and unclear opt-out steps
  • Sign-ups hidden in quizzes, competitions, or free apps
  • Premium-rate short codes you do not recognise
  • Continued charges after attempts to stop them

What to do

  • Ask your carrier to block premium-rate SMS services
  • Check your bill for unfamiliar premium charges
  • Reply STOP to legitimately identified services and keep a record
  • Report persistent charges to your carrier and regulator

If you already clicked or replied

  • Contact your carrier to stop the subscription and request a refund
  • Review which app or site you used before charges began
  • Remove any app that may have signed you up
  • Keep records of charges and opt-out attempts

What not to do

  • Do not reply to unknown premium texts beyond a clear STOP
  • Do not ignore small recurring charges
  • Do not enter your number into untrusted quizzes or apps

Similar scams

Medium risk Text Message

Customer Survey Scam

This scam invites you to complete a short customer satisfaction survey for a reward from a known brand, then asks for card details to cover 'shipping' on the prize or harvests your personal data.
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Loyalty Points Scam

This scam claims your loyalty points, reward balance, or air miles are about to expire and pushes you to redeem them through a link, which leads to a phishing page built to steal your account login or card details.
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Subscription Cancellation Text Scam

This scam texts that a subscription or trial will auto-charge a large amount unless you cancel now, linking to a fake page that harvests your login and card details under the pressure to stop the charge.

Frequently asked questions

How did I get subscribed?
Premium SMS sign-ups are often hidden in quizzes, competitions, or free apps, where entering your number opts you into recurring charges.
Will replying STOP work?
It can for genuine services, but for unclear ones it is safer to ask your carrier to block premium SMS and dispute the charges.
Can I get a refund?
Contact your carrier to stop the service and request a refund, and report persistent charges to your telecoms regulator.
How do I prevent this?
Ask your carrier to bar premium-rate SMS, avoid entering your number into untrusted quizzes or apps, and review your bill regularly.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.