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Charged for Premium Texts I Did Not Sign up To
If you are being charged for premium rate texts, text STOP ALL to the number the service gave you (do not just reply). Ask the company that charged you for a refund first; if you are still unhappy, your mobile network may look into it. Ofcom does not resolve individual complaints but takes reports.
At a Glance
Your Rights
What the rules say, with a link to the official source for each.
Stopping the Charges
STOP ALL
Instead of using the reply function, text 'STOP ALL' to the number the service gave you. Use Ofcom's premium rate service checker, or ask your phone provider, to find out who runs the number. source
Refunds and Reports
Ask the premium rate service provider that charged you for a refund first. If you are still unhappy, your mobile network may be able to look into it. Ofcom does not investigate individual complaints but takes reports (online, 0300 123 3333 or 020 7981 3040). source
Time Limits to Know
Miss a deadline and you can lose a right. Check the dates on your own paperwork.
- Straight awayText STOP ALLTo the number the service gave you
Steps to Take
Step 1 of 5
Text STOP ALL to the number the service gave you.
Step 2 of 5
Find out who runs it with Ofcom's checker or your network.
Step 3 of 5
Ask the provider for a refund, in writing. Our free letter templates can write it for you.
Step 4 of 5
If it refuses, ask your mobile network to look into it.
Step 5 of 5
Report the service to Ofcom, and ask your network about a premium-rate bar.
(Tap the numbers to reveal steps)
Where to Go If It Is Not Put Right
Your options, in order, and when each one applies.
Your Provider's Complaints Team
Always start here, in writing, and keep a copy.
CISAS or the Communications Ombudsman (ADR)
Six weeks after your complaint, or when you receive a deadlock letter. Free for you. Your provider will say which scheme it belongs to.
Good to Know
Small things that make your complaint stronger.
Check your bill every month: small regular charges are easy to miss.
Want Help?
If you would like one of our team to look at your problem, our initial case review is free. We cannot guarantee any outcome and we do not give legal advice.
Lead reviewer
Luke Marley
Founder and Lead Reviewer
Luke founded CPUK in 2026 after seeing how hard it is for ordinary people to get problems with companies put right. He oversees our guides and checks them against official sources.
Research by Katie Burt, Co-founder and Operations Lead (17 years in the care sector, including managing services for vulnerable adults), and the CPUK Research Team. Researched with AI-assisted research tools, then checked and corrected by our team.
Last checked: 13 October 2026. We are not paid by the companies we write about. Adverts never affect our guidance. Read our editorial policy.
Sources and official links
- ofcom.org.uk/make-a-complaint/complain-about-premium-rate-services/stopping-premium-rate-charges Checked 13 October 2026
- ofcom.org.uk/complaints/complain-about-phones-or-internet-services/contracts Checked 12 October 2026