Predicto text message company bills me $9.99 - I never authorized it! Internet

I have Verizon Wireless as my cell phone provider. I just received my billing statement and noticed a $9.99 charge in column labeled "Premium Text Message". I had to call Verizon to find out what this charge was for. They finally were able to provide the company name and phone number that created this charge. It was Perdicto. I've never heard of this company. I called them and they claimed my husband text back to join their service. I knew that was a lie, because my husband does not know how to open incoming text messages....every time he receives a text message he brings me his cell phone for me to open the text message. And I have never replied to any of his text messages. He only receives 5 to 10 per month, usually from one of his kids. Once in a while he gets scam text messages but I have NEVER replied to one of them, I erase them.

When I called Predicto they argued with my husband and me that one of us had to have replied to a text message. I told them that never happened and they need to credit our Verizon bill. The lady at Predicto kept arguing over and over that we did return a text authorized the monthly fee. I told her she needs to provide proof of that because it never happened and they have no authority to charge us for something we never ordered and would NEVER need, want or use. They refused to do that and went on and on about how much we would love their service. And if we cancel they'll miss us. I'm like what are you talking about, we've never used your company and never will, neither me nor my husband have any interest in cell phone games and they better cancel the service and refund the $9.99. They confirmed they would cancel the service but will not make a refund. It's not the money, it's the point.

It's amazing to me that text messaging from spam companies is legal, that Verizon would add that to our cell phone bill and that this company thinks they can charge for something never ordered and not provide proof if they think we ordered their service. I'm getting more and more spam text messages on my cell phone, I'll watch my cell phone bill a lot closer from here on and suggest you do the same!

Barbara
Fallbrook, California
U.S.A.