Why do you install paid subscriptions on your phone? Paid subscriptions: how not to fall for Megafon’s tricks. What is paid content
Today paid subscriptions are very controversial mobile service. On the one hand, this is convenient way delivery of legal content and payment for information services. However, the “other side of the coin”, widely exploited by unscrupulous webmasters, creates a bad reputation. After all, to sign up for a mobile subscription, you no longer need to send an SMS or enter the received code on the website. You just need to go to a site that belongs to the “premium category”, with cell phone or USB modem. Read more about the new method of “relatively fair taking of money from the population” - and protection from automatic paid subscriptions, - read in today's issue of TechnoDrive!
How to cancel a paid subscription?
Judging by the reviews of experts from antivirus companies, in order to turn an ordinary site into a “premium” one - with subscription access - an unscrupulous webmaster only needs to place special links received from the content provider and force the browser to automatically use them via javascript.
"Invisible clicks" on these links - allegedly made by the user - send requests to the gateways of some cellular companies. If the operator “recognizes” the user as his client, he issues a subscription, as requested, and transmits information about the success of this operation (along with subsequent commissions) to the content provider.
Mobile subscriptions are hidden behind a microfont
“If a partner uses a link or API button not for the stated purposes, he can embed it anywhere,” notes the company analyst Doctor Web Pavel Shalin. - Such fraud does not depend on operating system or other device parameters, it is enough to use the Internet via cellular communication.”
From this we can conclude that only an IP address and a timestamp are required (that is, even javascript in the browser is not needed, the request to the operator is completely generated by the website engine).
But there is a positive aspect to this! It is likely that when using a proxy server, the partner site will not be able to do anything, since, obviously, the IP address of the proxy will not be in the list of active mobile connections from operators. Another thing is that you will have to pay money for a fast proxy that also supports SSL.
Let's go back to the mobile "Ostap Benders". They often disguise the subscribe button as a play button in a media player or an advertising banner. And Federal Law No. 229-FZ, which requires indicating the cost additional services before their activation, they do it “for show” - reporting the fact of subscription in microfont at the bottom of the page.
Of course, no one thinks about a microfont when they want to get access to the coveted music or clips. By the way, this danger should also be remembered by owners of USB modems, who usually do not expect that actions on a desktop computer screen can reset their cellular account. After all, a web page can be optimized for a regular monitor!
How to disable paid subscriptions on a cell phone?
"The most effective protection option is to disable subscriptions using the USSD command or " Personal account“subscriber,” noted Pavel Shalin in a conversation with TechnoDrive. “It is also worth noting that from the point of view of combating fraud, such “automatic subscription” links are no different from any other fraudulent sites and links, so our analysts are constantly adding them to the database of non-recommended sites And then it comes into play cloud service checking links before clicking, built into the antivirus Dr.Web for Android- and the transition to such a link is blocked.”
Note that this approach only works if the malicious domain or hyperlink has already been blacklisted by the antivirus company. In addition, Dr. has a corresponding product for iOS. There is no Web, but for Apple gadgets there is Kaspersky Safe Browser.
You can disable all paid services and subscriptions special team
Returning to operators, we note that the nuances of blocking paid mailings vary from company to company. For example, "Megaphone" offers the “Content Account” service, from which mobile subscriptions and other entertainment will be paid. If the content account is zero, this is similar to blocking “premium content”. In addition, the operator recommends regularly checking the list of activated subscriptions using the USSD command *505#.
Important! Without any content account, you can ban using the special command USTZABAN1 to number 5051 mobile subscriptions from MegaFon partners for a period of 3 months. It is noteworthy that the operator itself reminds the subscriber when these 3 months end, or rather, indicates in advance that the blocking can again be extended free of charge.
Subscribers are offered to create a similar content account and "Beeline" refused to directly block paid subscriptions back in 2014.
Quote: “You can connect an additional balance to pay for infotainment services of Providers on short numbers. In case of lack of funds for additional balance the service cannot be connected. Connect an additional account through your Personal Account or by calling 07226 (toll-free).”
In other words, if you don’t connect an additional account to Beeline, then nothing will be debited.
Here's the company MTS, for example, to unsubscribe from mailings it offers the USSD command *111*919# (you need to select the “Unsubscribe from all mailings” option).
And when we requested MTS technical support, we were told, we quote, that to prohibit sending and receiving paid SMS/MMS from short numbers, as well as calls to paid short numbers, you need to activate the free “Content Ban” service.
A pleasant exception to this list is the virtual operator Yota, which states that it does not work with paid Internet subscriptions at all. This was reported by the moderator of the official group "Iota" V social network"VKontakte", responding to a request from TechnoDrive. According to him, now the company does not work with content providers at all - “so paid subscriptions will not bother you.”
From company " Tele 2"Technodrive received the following information: "To avoid being charged for content, we recommend that you activate the "Content Personal Account" service. The service is activated free of charge and has no monthly fee. When you activate this service, a separate account is allocated to pay for various content, into which you need to specifically top up the balance. In other words, if the “Content Personal Account” is zero, then payment for the content will not be made. You can fill out an application for opening a content personal account at Tele2 subscriber service centers. You can also connect the “Content Personal Account” using the combination *160#.”
UPD: Latest information on how to disable paid subscriptions for Tele2: view all paid services: *153#, entertainment content: *189#.
Refusal from “random” subscriptions on the Internet: *931#, disabling the sim menu (entertainment content): *152*8#
Theoretically, any hacked website can sign up for a paid subscription.
However, in addition to a separate content account (with a zero balance, of course), USSD content blocking - and a reliable antivirus and/or special browser - TechnoDrive experts recommend paying close attention to the sites you visit.
On the other hand, even the most respected site can be hacked - and then you can pick up anything you want from it. There were examples! Even highly rated online publications, including those writing about innovation, were hacked:((
Important: do not forget to regularly check your personal account (or at least keep an eye on your account)! It’s boring, but very profitable if, for example, you “add” a “left” subscription for 30 rubles a day!
UPD: Don't miss the latest TechnoDrive publication entitled « »
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Money began to regularly disappear from your MTS account, but your tariff plan and connected services do not provide for these expenses? Surely, the reason for the planned expenses was paid subscriptions that were connected without your knowledge. Subscriptions can be activated directly by the operator himself, or “stick” when visiting a dubious site. Whatever the reason for the appearance of subscriptions on your number, the only solution is to disable them. Knowing how to disable MTS subscriptions, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and get rid of annoying, often useless services.
There are various subscriptions and not all of them are paid, however, sometimes there is an urgent need to disable free subscriptions. For example, some subscriptions cause inconvenience because various notifications are regularly sent to your phone. There are several universal methods, allowing you to get a list of all subscriptions connected to a number and disable them. We will tell you how to disable MTS subscriptions all at once or individually. Please note that we are talking about disabling subscriptions, not services. We talked about it in a separate article.
You can disable MTS subscriptions:
- Using USSD command - * 152 * 2 # ;
- By sending an SMS with the number 1 to number 8111;
- Through your personal account or.
Each of the above methods deserves special attention, so we will look at them separately. We recommend that you read the entire review and then choose the option that suits you best.
How to disable subscriptions on MTS using a USSD request
Despite the fact that MTS has long created a convenient and multifunctional personal account in which you can manage services and perform many other operations, many subscribers still do not use it. In fact, the self-service system is very useful and should not be ignored, however, if for some reason you cannot use your personal account, then you can disable subscriptions using a special USSD command.
Please note that the command below is intended specifically to disable subscriptions, not MTS services. How are subscriptions different from services? Services are provided directly by the operator itself, but subscriptions can come from third party services. For example, you might accidentally activate a paid subscription when visiting a particular site. As a rule, the subscriber learns about the presence of such a subscription after some time, when money begins to disappear from the balance. However, subscriptions can also be activated by the operator, for example, in addition to some service, or you yourself may have once activated a subscription to a horoscope, weather forecast, news, etc. Following the instructions below, you can disable any subscriptions.
To disable MTS subscriptions, follow these steps:
- Dial the command * 152 * 2 # on your phone ;
- Enter number 2 to find out your current subscriptions;
- Enter the number 3 to immediately unsubscribe from all active subscriptions;
- If the number has connected subscriptions, you will receive an SMS with information that they have been successfully disabled.
Previously, it was also possible to unsubscribe by sending an SMS with the number 1 to number 8111, but now this method does not work. If you didn’t succeed in getting rid of subscriptions using the USSD command, and for some reason you don’t want to use it for these purposes, you can carry out your plan by calling help center. Before disabling MTS subscriptions by contacting the customer support center, we recommend trying more immediate methods. It’s not difficult and they will definitely help you, but the wait can take a long time, so it’s much more convenient to use the option described below.
- Attention
You can also disable a subscription by sending an SMS with the text STOP or STOP to the number from which the subscription activation message came.
How to disable MTS subscriptions through your personal account
Despite the fact that we presented this method last, it is the first in terms of simplicity and convenience. If you need to disable services or subscriptions, the easiest way to do this is using your personal account or the My MTS application. As for the application, it has similar functionality. The only difference is that the application is adapted for mobile devices. It should be noted that the self-service system provides the subscriber with enormous opportunities. You can not only manage services, but also perform many other actions, for example, control your account. You can order details on MTS through your personal account at any time and completely free of charge, and you will receive a detailed report on all financial transactions on the number.
The procedure for disabling subscriptions through your personal account does not require step by step guide, however, it may still be useful to some subscribers, so we will provide detailed instructions. It makes no sense to give an example for both your personal account and the application, since all the actions will be almost the same, so we will consider the procedure for disabling subscriptions via a computer.
To disable subscriptions on MTS through your personal account, follow these steps:
- Log in to your personal account;
- Open the “Tariffs and Services” section;
- Go to the “Service Management” tab;
- Disable unnecessary subscriptions.
How to set a ban on connecting subscriptions
Disabling MTS subscriptions is not difficult, but for many it would be much more convenient to permanently exclude the possibility of connecting any paid subscriptions without their knowledge. As a rule, before a subscription is detected, a certain amount of money, sometimes significant, has already disappeared from the balance. All this can be avoided using the service. This service blocks the ability to connect subscriptions. That is, even if you fall for a scammer’s trick designed to activate a paid subscription on your number, funds will not be debited, since the “Content Ban” service will not allow you to become a subscriber to a paid service.
To activate the “Content Ban” service on MTS, dial the command * 984 # on your phone
. More detailed description We presented this service in a separate article. It is also possible to activate the service by calling the MTS help center.
Paid subscriptions are a real evil. They appear suddenly. To activate them, just one random tap on the screen is enough, after which your account will be gutted daily by a certain amount.
Where do paid subscriptions come from?
Let's say you wanted to listen to music on your smartphone and entered the corresponding request into mobile browser. The search returned a list of relevant sites. Having visited one of them, you saw a plug with a proposal to switch to listen. It cannot be closed.
After tapping on the stub, you were transferred somewhere to the operator’s side cellular communications, which clearly says address bar browser.
The picture was made correctly. A poorly dressed young lady with a musical instrument is a good distraction. White text on a light gray background is harder to see. One more tap, and you already have a paid subscription. 30 rubles per day or 900 rubles per month. By the way, there can be as many subscriptions as you like. Do you understand the scale of the problem?
Some are more or less savvy in technically people may be indignant: “What idiot would search THAT way?” A question like this is a good indicator of immature thinking.
There are 146.5 million citizens in Russia. Not all of them are tech savvy. We must not forget about children and the elderly.
Cellular operators, of course, pretend to care about their customers and pretend that they are trying to change the situation. What they don’t come up with: applications with which you can check the availability of subscriptions, new tariffs with the illusion of protection from subscriptions, and so on.
But what about changing the process itself? Why not make confirmation of consent to withdraw money more explicit? For example, by sending SMS?
The problem is that operators make money from paid subscriptions, and pretending to care about customers is typical hypocrisy. Bees against honey.
How to protect yourself from paid subscriptions
The only reliable way to protect yourself from paid subscriptions is to create an additional (content) account.
Federal Law No. 229-FZ of July 23, 2013 “On Amendments to the Federal Law “On Communications” obliges operators to create, at the request of the subscriber, a separate account for payment for content services of third parties. Debiting funds from the main account to pay for content services of third parties engaged by the telecom operator becomes impossible.
Simply put, after creating a content account, the telecom operator will no longer be able to charge money for paid subscriptions to partner services from your main account. All you have to do is keep your content account balance zero.
Therefore, make sure that you have not enabled auto-replenishment of your content account from your main account. The telecom operator can impose this service, and then the whole idea will lose its meaning.
Please note: a content account protects against paid subscriptions to the services of telecom operator partners. If a paid service is provided by the telecom operator itself, then the money for it will still be debited from the main account.
How to create a content account
Unfortunately, the procedure is different for different operators communications and may even vary depending on the region. In one case it will be enough to send a USSD request, but in another you will have to go to the salon with a passport. Call your operator's support line and ask for clear instructions. This is your right, guaranteed by law.
Support phone numbers (calls within Russia are free):
- Beeline - 8 800 700 06 11.
- Megafon - 8 800 550 05 00.
- MTS - 8 800 250 08 90.
- Tele2 - 8 800 555 06 11.
How to protect children, parents and grandparents
- If possible, help them create an additional (content) account.
- If creating such an account requires visiting a communication store, and the person cannot come there, arrange for him new number in your name.
- Control the account of another subscriber through your personal account. This way you can check for paid services and, if necessary, disable them. However, this is a less reliable option.
Protection against unwanted subscriptions
Protection against subscriptions prohibits ordering and paying for content services from a mobile phone account: sending and receiving paid SMS/MMS from short numbers, calls to paid short numbers, subscriptions.
On open versions of Smart, Smart Unlimited and Smart Zabugorishche tariffs, as well as from 04/13/2017 on open versions of Smart Top and ULTRA tariffs, the option is already included in the service package.
For other tariffs of the Smart line ? and ULTRA tariff:
- to connect dial *984# call
- to turn off dial *985# call
Network protection: Kaspersky antivirus Security for MTS
It will help in the fight against viruses and threats on the network, unwanted calls and SMS, phishing messages, and will also allow you to remotely manage data on your smartphone if it is lost or stolen.
In order to use the antivirus, you need to take a few simple steps:
- follow the link to Google Play and download the application to your smartphone or tablet;
- after downloading the application, install it following the prompts in the application;
- After the installation is complete, you will have access to such features as Virus Scanning, Anti-Theft, Call and SMS Blocking and support Android smart watch Wear.
Important: You install free version application that has no limitation on the period of use.
To activate the paid version, you need:
- go to the “Activation” section (path to the section: “Real-time protection” - “Purchase all these functions” - “Activation” - “Subscribe”) and send a request for a paid version;
- After activation, you will additionally be able to use the Personal Data Protection, Secure Internet Access and SMS Anti-Phishing functions.
For mobile devices based on Android OS.
Cost of the paid version:
Protecting data and photos: Second Memory service
Helps protect your memories - 50 GB cloud storage for photos, contacts and files. On the open version of the Smart Zabugorishche tariff, as well as on archived versions of the Smart and ULTRA line tariffs ? The option is already included in the service package; you need to download the application and confirm the connection.
? can connect to the “Smart Standard” option, which provides 50 GB of cloud storage!
How to connect
Step 1
You can activate the “Smart Standard” option of the “Second Memory” service in any convenient way:
- dial on your mobile *111*4114*1#
- click on the Connect button
Step 2
You will receive an SMS about activating the service. Download the application:
- For phones and tablets
- For laptops and desktops
Step 3
Save your contacts, photos, documents - any data!
How to disable
Dial on your mobile *111*4114*2# You will receive an SMS informing you that Smart Standard has been disabled.
The Smart Standard option does not expire. When changing tariff plan For a tariff not participating in the promotion, contacts and photos with a total volume of up to 5 GB will be automatically saved as part of the “Second Memory: Basic” service for 0 rubles/month. To gain access to all other file types, connect the extended . If the option is not selected after 3 months after turning off Smart Standard, files other than photos and contacts will be deleted.
Traffic cost mobile internet determined by the terms of the tariff.
You can find information about the features of provision
Important: to activate the promotional service Second memory (option “Standard”) - use the command described above.
for open versions of Smart tariffs Zabugorishche and archived versions of tariffs of the Smart and ULTRA line ?
for other tariffs
Child protection: “Child under supervision” service
Helps you always know where your children are.
Information about the child's location is available only to his parents.
You can find out where your child is now in a convenient way web interface with map http://www.mpoisk.ru/family/, mobile application“Where are the children” or receive an SMS with his address.
On the open version of the Smart Zabugorishche tariff, as well as on archived versions of the Smart and ULTRA line tariffs ? There is no fee for using the service for the entire time you use the tariff plan.
Subscribers of other promotional tariffs ? , upon initial connection, they receive 30 days of using the service without charging a fee. Further, the cost of the “Child under supervision” service will be 100 rubles/month. The promotional period is provided once.
How to connect
- Click on the “Connect” button, then you will be redirected to the service registration page.
- Install the “Where are the Children” application on the parent’s smartphone by searching for “Where are the Children” in the AppStore or Google Play.
More details about the service -
The costs of voice calls in other networks of foreign operators, as well as sending and receiving MMS messages and expenses for all services while in Russia. In addition, periodic and one-time charges for options added and connected to the number, if any, are not taken into account.
The service activation date can be seen in your Personal Account in the “Service Management” section.
You can use the offer while roaming only if you have the “International and national roaming” or “Easy roaming and international access” options connected. You can check the connection of these options using your Personal Account.
Subscribing to a paid service for your phone is very simple: just click the button on the website page. As part of the comprehensive Protect protection system, Yandex.Browser warns you about paid subscriptions so that you agree to them only when you really need it.
- What are paid subscriptions
- Warning about paid subscriptions
- Disabling protection
What are paid subscriptions
Paid subscriptions are one of the ways to pay for Internet services. With a paid subscription, you can, for example, activate an answering service on mobile phone or subscribe to the weather forecast sent weekly via SMS. To subscribe, just go to the operator’s page and confirm your consent by pressing the button. Some content providers abuse the simplicity of subscriptions and quietly connect paid services that users do not need.
Although paid subscription pages are hosted on websites mobile operators, their content is determined by third party content providers. Some providers make sure that information about connecting to a paid service is difficult to notice: for example, the subscription button may say Play or Login, and the message that the service is paid may be printed in small print or hidden off the screen. As a result, you just need to press a button once on a special website, and money will be debited from your mobile account every day.
It is especially easy to get caught if you access the subscription connection page from a computer rather than from mobile device, because small print is harder to find on a large monitor.
According to Yandex, about 20% of visitors come to paid subscription pages from a computer. One of the reasons is the widespread use of 3G modems, which are often used in conjunction with Wi-Fi routers. Additionally, paid subscription pages may open malicious extensions.
","hasTopCallout":true,"hasBottomCallout":true,"areas":[("shape":"circle","direction":["top","right"],"alt":"By pressing the button , you will sign up for a paid subscription","coords":,"isNumeric":false,"hasTopCallout":true,"hasBottomCallout":false),("shape":"circle","direction":["bottom"," right"],"alt":"Information about paid service placed so that it is difficult to notice","coords":,"isNumeric":false,"hasTopCallout":false,"hasBottomCallout":true)]))">