I get caught in Predicto Mobile scam using Verizon Cell like 1000s others. Predicto is using a phishing technique combining both the Internet and the cell phone: I kept pictures and information for my attorney.
Meanwhile since September 18, 2009 Predicto Mobile is sued for charging fees on new customers who got numbers previously used by former customers. A class action complaint is opened against Predicto Mobile, LLC in Easter District of Michigan on 09/18/2009 (see http://contract.law360.com/articles/123206). But there is lot of work on the way.
In just two words, when you get a cell phone number, its usually a cell phone number used by a previous customer (also called recycled or dirtycell-phone number). The previous customer may have subscribed to some Predicto Mobile services and she changed Cell phone number to get rid of Predicto biiling charges. Bad luck for you, when you buy your new cell phone, you may get charged for Predicto Mobile premium text without subscription because the previous client who owned the cell phone number before you, got already scammed.
While Alltell sent to Predicto the updated lists of recycled or dirty cell numbers, Predicto just ignored them: see more at http://contract.law360.com/articles/123206 Alltel is sued because this Cell phone Company authorized Predicto Mobile to steal the money and didnt protect his customers from dubious transactions.
The double opt-in process presented by Predicto Customer Service is a kind of joke: there is no opt-in process. Predicto ignored Alltel dirty phone lists for years and Predicto will ignore our complaints until a class action is filed asking them to pay back all the money they owe.
You may have been opted-in by previous cell-phone owner who wanted to get rid of Predicto Mobile premium message texting by asking for a new cell phone number. You just get this person old phone number(with the Predicto Mobile scam bonus).
For your information the case file is opened in Easter District of Michigan as a class action complaint against Alltel Communications, LLC and Predicto Mobile, LLC (case 2:09-cv-13691-DPH-MAR filed 09/17/2009).
The official file can be read at http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/09/18/Alltel2.pdf
We need now to start probably a second class action for unauthorized charges as the previous class action only deal with former customer contracts passed to new customers.
Actually, Predicto uses a deceptive technique that is based on Internet phishing: at the end of the process Predicto just get your cell-phone number and starts billing.
Please document as much as possible each situation described: take pictures of your cell phone messages, keep a copy of your bills. Another class action is in preparation for simply abusive billing by Predicto Mobile: similar class actions already ended with settlement related to unauthorized charges for Mobile Content see Media Breakway, LLC Mobile Content Class Action at http://classactionconnect.com/cell_phone_issues/2009/06/30/media-breakaway-llc-mobile-content-class-action-settlement-announced/
Old people and kids are easy targets to this kind of predators: I checked my grand uncle bill (83 years) and he saw he got scammed. In our community, we are now checking all cell-phone bills specially the elderly ones and the young one: look carefully for this $9.99 Premium Text message.
Spread the information on the internet and everywhere in our communities: we need to protect our kids and old people from these predators.