From my colleague Lora Pabst:
Over the past year, hundreds of you have asked Whistleblower for help. While we can't investigate each tip, we want to share more of what you tell us. In 2009, we started publishing a few tips each week to stimulate online discussion and create ways for our readers to help each other. Unlike our news stories, we have not verified this information, so we do not include the names of the parties involved. If you have a tip, send it to whistleblower@startribune.com.
A self-described "technologically challenged" cell phone customer couldn't figure out why he was being charged an extra $19.95 on his monthly bill. His cell phone provider was able to track down where the charge was coming from.
"They investigated and told me that I had subscribed to a special texting service with headquarters in the Netherlands!" he wrote. "Apparently, I had received a text message offering me the service. Because I didn't reply in the negative, I had become a subscriber."
He got a refund and canceled the subscription, but he wanted to warn others. To file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission about unfair or deceptive business practices, visit ftc.gov or call 1-877-382-4357.
Have you ever gotten a text message like this?
