KGB, Kgb_542542 Bogus -- and paid -- text-message information service New York City New York

I want an actual refund!!! And I want these charlatans stopped.

Our interaction began simply enough. I called 800-411-7283 in order to locate a local restaurant, but was informed that the free service had been replaced by a paid text message service (99 cents per text received). I texted to the name and city/area of the restaurant I was looking for, yet received a text giving me the number for a similarly-named produce store. When I replied and explained their error, I received another text with the same info. Out of curiosity, I called the number, only to find that it was actually a fax number.

It then took me a total of 11 (!) text messages sent in order to get to a bogus "refund" web page, where my only options were either to get "free calls" or donate my refund to one of a handful of large, mainstream charities (including the American Cancer Society -- notorious for spending half of their donations on organizational overhead, and the scandal-ridden United Way. But that's another story).

Along the way, I received such illuminating messages as "Our apologies. Try this free fact: Do you know that a snail can sleep for three years" and "your next 3 answers are free", despite the fact that I repeatedly stressed the unreliability of the service and repeatedly stated my request for a refund.

This service is a complete joke. And not a very funny one at that.

Danny
Los Angeles, California
U.S.A.