Hey! Another spam SMS text message from Virgin Mobile

[MoreMiles]

I don't think other networks are doing this... sending spam text message a few times per week. This is ridiculous.

Twice this week already, it was about Scene Cineplex movie program, then again yesterday about Body Shop lipstick?!

I think ad-sponsored products should be free, like ad-ware. If I am paying for my cell phone, stop flooding it with junk mails almost everyday!

[VirginMobileCan]

Hey there!

Those are text messages letting you know about the awesome member benefits and freebies you get for being a member with Virgin Mobile! Also, remember, all incoming text is free with us, so not only do they get you free stuff, they're free to receive, too!

Lots of Love,
Virgin Mobile

[LouisR]

VMC,

Those messages were a very occasional thing in the past and now we've received two in four days. That sharp increase is a concerning trend.

Could you please confirm to us that those advertising messages will keep on coming from a different SMS short number than account related text messages? (At least those on smart phone OSes can block that.)

Consider putting some sort of opt-out in the members' lounge settings?
Hey, better yet, allow me to pick the advertisers I agree receiving messages from versus those I won't.

For instance, I couldn't care less about H&M or The Body Shop. Cineplex on the other hand? Maybe.
In the same line of thought, I remember seeing some texts for a concert out in BC, which does me little good being far away in Quebec.

Goodbye,

Louis

[VirginMobileCan]

Hey Louis!

All AMAZING suggestions!
We're always updating our Members Lounge and Member Benefits-- so that's some super sweet feedback! Love it!

Thanks, friend!

<3 VM

[KRZR101]

VMC,

Those messages were a very occasional thing in the past and now we've received two in four days. That sharp increase is a concerning trend.

Could you please confirm to us that those advertising messages will keep on coming from a different SMS short number than account related text messages? (At least those on smart phone OSes can block that.)

Consider putting some sort of opt-out in the members' lounge settings?
Hey, better yet, allow me to pick the advertisers I agree receiving messages from versus those I won't.

For instance, I couldn't care less about H&M or The Body Shop. Cineplex on the other hand? Maybe.
In the same line of thought, I remember seeing some texts for a concert out in BC, which does me little good being far away in Quebec.

Goodbye,

Louis

Really? You're annoyed that you had to check your phone only to see it was a text from VMC? "two in four days"... I'm actually curious to know, is it really THAT inconvenient for you?

[LouisR]

What I am mostly concerned about is the uptick in the number of messages and lack of (easy) control over them.

Note that I have expressed interest in actually receiving some of those texts and offered suggestions on optimizing that!

If the messages were THAT annoying, I would have blocked them outright first and written a harsher post here.

[VirginMobileCan]

And we LOVED it, Louis!
Truly some awesome ideas!

<3 VM

[MoreMiles]

Again today... it's about Porter airlines, it's like almost daily now!

I know that the incoming SMS texts are free. However, it's the same as getting telemarketer calls, those are free too. Would you want to receive them everyday? At least with the telemarketer, we have DoNotCall registry. There is none with SMS text messages.

There are phone services (freephoneline.ca for example) that use advertising to provide free phone services. VMC, we are PAYING for our service! So can you please cut the ads.

[MoreMiles]

Really? You're annoyed that you had to check your phone only to see it was a text from VMC? "two in four days"... I'm actually curious to know, is it really THAT inconvenient for you?

Yes... the text message beeps the phone, interrupts me to stop my current activity, just like an incoming phone call. Except there is no important message or incoming call... it's an ad. How would you feel if you are busy or expecting an important message? Would you call that convenient or inconvenient?

[LouisR]

MoreMiles: I couldn't have said it better, the messages are disruptive.

At least I have the know-how (and capable phone) to block them myself. I haven't yet, but it won't take many more unsolicited advertising text messages before I do that.

It's an excellent way to irritate and drive away subscribers who can't.

And VMC, if you're going to send more text messages, here's another idea: "You've got less than 10% of your minutes/GB left for this billing period. (x left out of y) Next period begins on the d." This one should be considered useful by a lot more people, but again, provide some settings for it.

[MagicA]

Hey guys. The CRTC has already ruled on this nonsense. Arguing that it is member benefits is a complete joke and you know it. I am not interested in body shop short text messages for a city 5 hours from myself. I'm not interested in them at all in fact.

Virgin: I'm letting the CRTC know about this and perhaps you can change your ways before multi-million dollar fines come your way. Don't believe me? Ask Bell and Rogers about it!

We pay for an advertisement free service and already pay more than any other country in the world. Take your lies and your "member benefits" and let people opt out.

I will be opting OUT of your service and taking my son and daughters accounts with me if I get any more.

You will be legislated against if it keeps up. The CRTC already warned you providers not to get up to this of face legislation. Canadians aren't interested in spam intermingled with their texts. Why not be creative and offer a 50% off plan if you want to spam people. That way everyone can benefit.

Don't bother trying to come up with a sad excuse as to why you do it. Otherwise I will have to find out where you live and stop by at supper time and try and sell you some retreaded condoms!

Any villages missing their idiots? I think I've found them.

I will be calling the body shop tomorrow and letting them know what I think about their intrusive sneaky advertising and that it isn't worth whatever Virgin is stealing from them for the service. I can guarantee you they will understand what I am saying and where I am coming from even if some forum con-artist working for Virgin doesn't.

[MagicA]

I should mention for everyone else that talking to whoever this is in this forum is going to do very little for you. You're much better off contacting the CRTC and complaining. Your local politicians too as they know which way the wind is blowing in this country currently and it isn't towards the provider.

[Ian Brantford]

As someone who is considering a switch to a new provider, I have to say that being subject to unsolicited text messages, without even an opt-out available, would keep me from choosing Virgin. I pay for a phone so that people who know me can contact me when it's in our interest, not so that advertisers can practically tap me on the shoulder at any time.

[Steveanderson13]

Those are text messages letting you know about the awesome member benefits and freebies you get for being a member with Virgin Mobile!

As someone who is considering a switch to a new provider, I have to say that being subject to unsolicited text messages, without even an opt-out available, would keep me from choosing Virgin.

@VirginMobileCan, What about it, no opt-out? I'm in same boat as Ian.

[sphish]

Strangely, I've not received any of the aforementioned texts. The only texts I get are the ones telling me my bill is ready.