Beware of "Free" Ringtones

When I switched wireless phone providers back in 2006, I also had to change my phone number. Within a month I started receiving text messages from a company known as Blinko. I called Cingular (now AT&T) and asked them if they could block these text messages, as I didn't want to be charged for them. I was advised that this was not possible without blocking ALL text messages. This angered me, but not as much as what I received on my first phone bill, a $10 charge for Blinko ringtones.

I called Cingular back. The representative was pleasant, and informed me, "Oh, that probably was something the last person that had your phone number had signed up for. You simply need to log into their website and cancel it."

When I asked what I needed to do about the $10 charge, I was told I would have to pay it, but that Cingular would credit my next bill. I protested that I shouldn't have to pay for something I never signed up for. The representative was sympathetic, but unable to do anything about it.

The next month the charge disappeared, and I did receive my $10 credit. But two months later, I was being charged for Blinko again. At that point I got a bit nasty with Cingular, advising them I would not be paying for it on any bill, and that they needed to do something about it or let me out of my contract. The representative I spoke to was kind and advised me of some disturbing information. She had been through the same ordeal with HER cell phone bill. And although Cingular billed for the Blinko service, they apparently were under no obligation to verify that the charges were legitimate or work to stop them.

So, I went to trusty Google and typed in "Blinko Scam:. I was greeted with dozens of articles regarding mysterious charges for ringtones that people received on their wireless bill and the frustrations they had in trying to get the charges removed. Places like Blinko and Jamster advertise their "free" ringtones and services heavily on the internet and TV, and lure people into signing up for monthly charges they don't want.

Apparently complaints are working, at least with some wireless carriers. Verizon Wirless, according to a Washington Post story, has kicked banned Blinko, no longer allowing its customers to use the service and no longer billing on behalf of the company.

You can prevent this from happening to you by avoiding any service offering "free" ringtones or wallpaper for your phone. Most wind up subscribing you to a service you don't want and will find difficult to remove. If your child has a phone, encourage them to avoid these services as well, and be sure to check your bill and their bill every month for extra charges. If you should find that you've received charges, call your wireless provider immediately and ask them what you need to do. If they insist on billing you for the charges, ask to speak to a manager. You also can file a formal complaint with the FCC about your wireless provider and their business practices if you cannot get relief on the issue.

If you must have ringtones, many phones have ways that you can make your own, or you can buy them from legitimate services offered directly through your wireless company.