What it is?
Charges for content involve payment for subscriptions to various services, access to web portals and entertainment websites. If the user has given his consent to subscribe to one or more such resources, a certain amount will be deducted from his mobile account every day. By “content provider” we mean an organization that owns simple sites with video jokes, anecdotes, pictures or films. Despite the simplicity of such resources, the cost of the service for the content presented on them ranges from 25 to 45 rubles per day.
Why do they write off money?
After a subscriber manages to detect a “leakage” of money from an account marked “Charge for content,” he has a completely logical question about why the subscription was activated if he did not give his consent to connect such services.
The situation is very controversial and occurs quite often. Complaints and angry reviews about unauthorized debiting of money for content can be found on thematic forums and communities on various social networks. Many people believe that the mobile operator Megafon automatically directs its customers to the resources of content providers. And in the event of a call to the technical support service, employees blame the inattention of the subscribers themselves. If we consider this situation from the point of view of benefits for the mobile operator, Megafon is really interested in having a huge network of websites with a paid subscription. As practice shows, most clients, by the time the “leakage” of money from the account becomes obvious, manage to lose from two to three hundred rubles. A popular opinion is also confirmed by the fact that it is not difficult for Megafon to block such resources, but the mobile operator is in no hurry to crack down on content providers. The only steps taken by Megafon towards its customers are to provide a complete list of paid sites.
The technical support service reports that situations with “Charge for content” are most often observed in the following cases:
- The subscriber, in search of entertainment content, goes to the resource and personally activates the paid subscription.
- The subscriber unintentionally clicks on one of the pop-up advertising banners, thus activating the service.
- The account was hacked by attackers who activated a paid subscription.
- The phone is infected with Trojan-type viruses that have performed the steps of connecting to one of the web portals from the content provider category.
As a result, the following situation arises: the operator responds to massive complaints from subscribers only with a request to be extremely attentive while surfing the Internet. According to Megafon's press service, minor subscribers due to their own curiosity and pensioners due to lack of experience are most exposed to this risk.
How to disable
If you find charges marked “Charges for content,” you should go to your personal account and manually block access to entertainment content in the “Options and Services” section.
You can disable charges using a special one that prohibits the activation procedure from short mobile numbers. In order to enable this service, you need to use the USSD request *526# call key. There is an alternative option to unsubscribe from the option using the command *105*801# call key. You can send a blank SMS message to the number 0500914. Owners of Megafon corporate numbers may find that the methods described above will not lead to positive results.
In this case, you need to contact the mobile operator’s support service with a request to limit access to content providers.
This service is considered a specialized way of the Megafon operator to block communications with paid numbers. This applies to all types of communication, including:
- SMS messages;
- USSD codes;
- regular outgoing voice calls.
As a result, this service is a protective barrier for the Megafon user from all kinds of scammers in Russia. Any tariff presented by the operator allows you to use the service in your home region for free.
Now we have figured out what a Megafon subscriber is dealing with, what access to content is and how to block it in order to avoid losing money from the account of a Russian resident subscriber.
Detailed description
Using this option allows customers to block the ability to make calls, send messages or requests to paid short numbers. This function allows you to save funds on your mobile account and protect yourself and your family from unnecessary expenses. MegaFon subscribers can use the service regardless of the tariff plan used. The only important thing is that the service applies to use on a home network. Outside of this area the service will not work.
Access to short numbers provided by the operator is not blocked. This way, customers will be able to continue calling and sending messages and requests to service numbers.
The option is provided free of charge, which undoubtedly can be considered an advantage. There are no activation fees and no subscription fees.
It is worth noting some features inherent in the service:
- The option does not work outside the home network and in roaming, both national and international.
- Subscribers who need paid content can find out its cost using a special price list. You can find it on the MegaFon website.
The best music service from MegaFon is Trava-Online!
How to activate from the mobile operator Megafon?
If you want to save yourself or your relatives from possible expenses due to imposed paid content, you can use. The following action must be taken:
- Dial USSD request *105*801#Call
In response, you should receive an SMS notification that your service has been activated.
Attention: can only be activated and function in its region. The option does not work in other regions of the Russian Federation or in roaming.
How to activate the Stop Content service
To save funds in your account and for security purposes, you should install. To do this, the developers have provided several methods for activating the option:
- Firstly, one of the simple methods is to use your personal account on the company’s website. To do this, go to the company’s website and go to the account. Then register in it and receive a password for authorization. After logging in, you can connect the option by clicking on the desired button in the description of the service.
- If it is impossible to activate the service via the Internet, you need to send a ussd request. To do this, enter *105*801# on your device and make a call. After this, you should expect a message with information about the successful activation of the service.
- Customers are also given the opportunity to use another combination to connect to the service. You need to dial *526# on your phone.
- You can also activate the service by sending a text message by calling 0500914. You do not need to write anything in the body of the letter.
- If the above methods are not suitable, then MegaFon employees will be able to connect to the service. You can use their help in two ways. First, call the support service using the short number 0500. After connecting to the operator, ask to activate the service. You may need to provide your passport details. Secondly, you can go to any company salon, where specialists can activate the service. To do this, you need documents confirming the identity of the owner of the SIM card.
In all of the above methods, after activation you should receive a text message with information about the successful activation of the service. Such a message is considered a confirmation. The option may not be enabled immediately, but throughout the day.
To always see your account status on your phone screen, connect to the MegaFon Live Balance service.
How to disable MegaFon content service
If the client needs to use short numbers, then the option should be deactivated. To do this, you must use any of the following methods:
- The easiest way is to use the Service Guide, in other words, it is a personal account. The disabling process is similar to the procedure for enabling the option.
- You can also disable the service using only your mobile phone. To do this, you will need to enter *526*0# on your device and make a call. After this, the request will be sent and the option will be deactivated. You can call call center operators who can disable the service remotely. For this method, you will need to tell the operator the code word or series and passport number.
- Employees of MegaFon branded stores can also remove the restriction on the use of paid content. To do this, you should contact any MegaFon store and ask to disable the service.
- The last deactivation method is to send a text message to the number 0500914. You must insert the number 2 into the body of the letter.
If any of the actions are performed correctly, the option will be disabled, and the subscriber will receive a message with information about disabling the Stop Content service. Subscribers who use smartphones are recommended to download the mobile application. Thanks to it, you can manage your balance, SIM card, tariffs and options using only your mobile phone. The application is analogous to a personal account, but is always at hand.
Content providers – who are they?
Many have encountered large debits from their phone account, although no calls were made anywhere. The operator said that the money went to content providers. Many people heard this definition for the first time from an operator.
Content providers are a company or individual that is the copyright holder of any content, for example, media elements (pictures, photographs, sound recordings, ringtones, video streams and video recordings). He sells his content or the rights to use it to cellular subscribers independently, or through an operator, aggregator or service provider.
Simply put, this is the one who sells (or imposes) music, pictures and games on you.
The scheme of work is as follows: a large content provider (aggregator) rents short numbers from the operator, then distributes them to smaller content providers through affiliate programs. They, in turn, provide services. Everyone in this chain receives their own reward. This is beneficial for everyone, so there was little control until recently. Operators, by covering up scammers, incurred the wrath of the public and lost subscribers.
At the legislative level, such activities are regulated by the Communications Law. Since May 2014, it has introduced additions regarding content services. Users must be informed about the cost of services before writing off and give their consent to this. True, there are loopholes here too.
In what ways can you connect content?
There are several options to help connect content:
- SMS to a short number;
- USSD request;
- Voice call to a paid number;
- Subscribe from the site.
Everyone has encountered the first options. A message comes to your phone from a short number asking you to play a game, win a million, or receive a melody or picture. There are also less popular ways: offers to get acquainted or to view a compromising photo. All you have to do is send a reply SMS, debits will begin, and the number of messages sent to your phone will increase. First of all, you need to be more careful. Do not send any SMS to short numbers . Nobody will give you a million.
If you are interested in the offer, but you don’t know how much it costs, then you can check the cost on the operator’s website https://moscow.megafon.ru/options/services/other/content/uslugi_operatora_s_kontent-prova/. You can also complain about the activities of scammers there. Illegal activities will be stopped and the number will be removed from circulation. A fine will be imposed on the service provider itself.
The last option is more insidious. Content services are hidden on websites. This may be a fee for using a resource, more often for watching a video. Just click on play, and the money is already debited every day. According to the latest amendments to the Communications Law, the service provider is required to warn about the cost. He warns: in gray letters on a black background in small font at the bottom of the screen. There are also those who send SMS. In this case, modem users suffer more. They often simply don't notice the alert. Here you need to understand that a serious site that values its reputation will not do this. The more dubious the resource and the lower the quality of the video, the more likely it is to get a subscription .
Clicking on banners is also a bad idea. Often this leads to a transition to the site, where a subscription to the content is issued. Such banners look like small flashing advertisements with information that you have received a message or other similar information.
Currently, content providers are required to charge only with the explicit consent of the subscriber. In this regard, you may receive SMS with codes to confirm payment. If you receive this, do not enter it anywhere and do not tell others. This is also a common type of deception that thrives on social networks. Its essence is that a scammer gains your trust and then asks you to dictate a code from an SMS. After that, he buys virtual currency, paying for it with money from your account.
Checking for subscriptions
If you still haven’t saved yourself and the money disappears from your account, then the first thing you need to do is check the availability of connected content services.
Do not trust online information that offers verification using a USSD command or similar methods. At the moment this is not relevant. The only way to check is through your personal account. First of all, you can order details there, where you can see what you are paying for. Secondly, in the services section you can see everything that is connected. There you can remove everything unnecessary. As an option, call the call center at 0500. This will be justified if you don’t have the Internet at hand.
Where does the subscription come from?
The first reaction when we find out that money is being debited from our account for some paid services is indignation! We can’t understand how it is that we suddenly have a subscription that we don’t even know about.
People write angry reviews saying that they didn’t sign up for anything. There is a feeling that Megafon is deliberately resorting to fraudulent schemes. Representatives of the company blame users for simply being very inattentive.
Here is an example of a site where a subscription to paid services occurs unnoticed by the user.
To avoid becoming a victim of this kind of fraud, try to follow these tips:
- do not go to sites that warn in small or large print that you may be charged for visiting them;
- try to avoid accidentally clicking on pop-up alerts and banners, so as not to activate a service that you do not agree to;
- do not download pirated content and do not visit dubious sites so that attackers cannot hack your personal account in Megafon and do not activate the subscription themselves;
- install an antivirus program and regularly scan your device for Trojans and other malicious applications;
Stop content service
After money, energy and time have been spent, you want to protect yourself from such a misfortune forever.
There is such a way - connecting to the “stop content” service. Its essence is that USSD commands, SMS and voice entertainment services are blocked. You won't be able to connect anything even if you want to. Attempts to create subscriptions by sites will also be blocked. To connect, dial *526# call. With the same request it is disabled. The service is free for all subscribers.
The option does not apply to the following services:
- Management of Megafon services through USSD requests, short numbers and voice services. Exception - . Her messages are also blocked by “Stop content”;
- Payment for parking through the application using USSD commands and SMS to four-digit numbers;
- Calls to 8800 numbers are not blocked.
As you can see, you don’t have to be afraid that the ability to check your balance or make a payment will disappear.
from the mobile operator Megafon
Are you tormented by the question of how to get rid of unnecessary costs due to random paid services? Maybe your children are unknowingly activating subscriptions from dubious sources? Have your elderly parents been deceived by scammers by sending SMS messages like “Mom, the money has arrived...”?
In this case, you can recommend a special “ Stop Content ” to all subscribers. In order to understand how the service works, you should understand in what potential cases funds can be debited from your personal account.
If we break down all such cases point by point, we can deduce three main ones:
- Connecting to the number of voice services that charge money
- Sending USSD requests that require a subscription fee
- Sending paid SMS messages
The given list of actions is quite enough so that when they are performed, hundreds of rubles are debited from the balance of the personal account. You can also take into account the fact that subscribers of minor age often use adult content. To stop this, it is necessary to block any access to numbers from those that charge a subscription fee.
The principle of operation of the “ Stop Content ” option is that this service blocks access to those numbers that could potentially debit funds from the account through connecting to paid subscriptions and so on. By activating “ Stop Content ” on your number, you will no longer be able to make calls or send SMS to the specified numbers, and you will also not have access to paid USSD requests. This is a guaranteed opportunity to protect yourself from unnecessary and even huge expenses.
But we shouldn’t think prematurely about what is blocking access even to those numbers that may be useful to us. The advantage of this option is its ability to block numbers selectively. Numbers related directly to Megafon are excluded from the automatic blocking list.
That is, subscribers who activate the “ Stop Content ” option on a number will be able to freely make free calls to Megafon and send SMS commands that activate or deactivate any subscriptions and services. Numbers such as 0770 (for working with the “ Replace dial tone ” option), 5052 , 5051 .
Content personal account
A very unpopular service. Only 6% of subscribers use it . The operator does not promote it, and information on it is not easy to find on the Internet. Its introduction is associated with amendments to the law on communications, according to which the operator is required to provide a content-based personal account.
Its essence is that entertainment services and subscriptions are paid from it. If there is no money there, the service will not be activated. There is no negative balance.
You can connect a content personal account only upon application at the operator’s office. There is no single method of self-service. There is no charge for this.
Below is a list of control commands:
- View balance - *393*1#;
- Transfer funds between accounts *393*2#;
- Find out the number for replenishment *393*3#.
This method is suitable for those who use short numbers, but want to keep the write-offs under control.
Disabling Megafon subscriptions
Subscription means a certain service that can be activated on the subscriber’s number without his consent, in an automatic way. Of course, a common option is also to specifically activate the option, in a conscious way, out of necessity.
It is paid subscriptions that become the first reason for the constant debiting of funds from the SIM card balance. The user may not even mean the presence of these functions, but money will be charged for them.
Let's look at proven and workable methods for deactivating subscriptions that were provided by the mobile operator Megafon.
Description of service
The “Stop Content” function on Megafon is provided completely free of charge. After activating the function, the subscriber will be protected from paid content offered to him by the television system itself, or by the provider’s business partners.
At the same time, premium messages, service lines and USSD, as well as SMS received from payment and bank numbers are not affected. Only numbers, third-party and entertainment lines are subject to blocking.
The blocking service can be used by all subscribers of the television system. However, it is worth remembering that the function only works in the region where the SIM card is activated. This means that when you travel outside the place where the SIM card is registered, the mobile operator will no longer be able to guarantee the correct operation of the service.
It is worth mentioning the features of the Stop Content service Megafon:
- after enabling the option, the subscriber will be able to pay for the following services: PayPal, replenish the balance of his social page, make payments for previously connected entertainment services;
- You can enable the option throughout the Russian Federation. But it will work fully only in the subscriber’s home region;
- Connecting the function by sending a USSD code may not work in some regions of the country. In this case, you will need to use another method of enabling the service (the existing methods for connecting the function can be found below);
- The option does not require a subscription fee and is provided to network clients absolutely free of charge.
In addition, many users are interested in the question, what is Megafon’s “Content Account”? According to the laws of the Russian Federation, this account can be opened by a mobile operator only at the direct request of the subscriber. The service involves creating a special balance from which money will be debited for using certain subscriptions.
By the way, many providers are silent about the rights of clients. But in fact, to create an account and connect a paid subscription to it, the client must independently visit the provider’s office and order this service.
In addition, the subscriber can activate the function on the provider’s website through his page. Or by sending a USSD request *393# and following the instructions provided.
If, without the client’s knowledge, money was debited from his balance for an unknown service, he can request the funds to be returned to his account. To do this, you need to call 0500 and ask a company employee to sort out the situation. You can resolve the issue of disabling an imposed subscription at any branch of the provider (with a passport).
What is a “Content Account” from MegaFon
Information about this option is publicly available on the provider’s official portal; it can be activated at any time upon the subscriber’s request.
The operating principle of the service is simple. Upon activation, a separate account will appear in the client’s profile, intended to pay for various entertainment applications and services. If there are no funds in this account, no debit will occur and the services will be automatically disabled. They are activated the moment the balance is replenished by the required amount.
The list of features for which money will be debited from the sub account includes the following options:
- Internet Click;
- Locator;
- Where I am;
- Partner subscriptions (WEB/SMS/USSD/IVR);
- CPA (Content Provider Access) services;
- Pay by Click (PBC);
- Mobile Affiliate Subscriptions (WAP).
It is important to remember that the list is constantly expanding, so it is better to find out which service can be paid for separately on the official MegaFon website.
The user transfers a certain amount to the balance of this account, which he is willing to spend on the services provided. At the same time, there is no subscription fee for using the “Content Account” service, everything is absolutely free.
In the case when the option is not activated, the entire fee, both for the operator’s services and for using the services, goes through the main balance.
How to activate “Stop Content” from Megafon?
To protect yourself from connecting to paid services, we recommend connecting the “Stop Content” service to your SIM card. You can enable the blocking function for content services on Megafon in several convenient ways:
- via LC;
- via SMS message;
- through a special system command;
- by calling the operator's technical support.
- Let's look at each method in more detail.
SMS message
You can also enable the function by sending a text message. To do this, you need to send an SMS of any content to the service phone number 0500914. In the body of the letter you can write, for example, “Enable”, “Yes” or “1”.
USSD command
You can block access to paid content using a USSD command. To activate the service, dial the digital code *105*801# on your mobile device and press the “Call” button. Immediately after this, a response message will be sent to your phone informing you about the success of the operation.
To enable the security function, you can also use the USSD request *526#.
Call support
Access to paid subscriptions can also be blocked by calling the Megafon hotline. To do this, call 0500 and inform the company employee about your decision. Technical support is available 24/7. Calls for network subscribers are not charged.
In addition, you can always contact any telesystem office for help. However, in both the first and second episodes, you may be asked to provide personal information. Therefore, even before making a call or going to a Megafon branch, prepare the necessary documents.
How to check paid subscriptions
To check paid subscriptions to MegaFon, you can use several methods:
- USSD command *505#, after typing it you can see a list of paid services provided.
- Guide function. You need to send a request *105#, select number 1 in the menu. After this, the subscriber will be taken to your personal account, you will need to press key 4. In subscriptions you can see the required information and disable unnecessary services. The procedure is free.
- Send an SMS with the text “INFO” to number 5051. The user will receive information about work subscriptions.
- Using your personal account. You need to go to the official portal of the company and log into your personal account. After that, go to the “Services and Subscriptions” tab and find the necessary data.
- Call number 0500. Company employees will answer the client. You can get information about paid services from them. In addition, they can provide other assistance related to resolving issues on the MegaFon network. They will need to provide personal information - passport number and details.
Users can find out about subscriptions by visiting the provider's office, however, due to the availability of other, simpler methods, few people use this method.
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How to disable content on Megafon?
You can also deactivate the “Content Ban” option on Megafon in five ways:
- Personal Area. To return the ability to connect paid subscriptions, go to your page, then go to “My Services”, and next to the unnecessary product, click the “Disable” button.
- USSD request. If you do not have free access to the Internet, you can disable it by sending a special request. To do this, dial the digital combination *526*# on your cellular device and press the “Call” button.
- Call the operator. To disable the function, call the service number 0500. After connecting, inform the operator about the purpose of your call. Remember that in this case, the telesystem employee may request personal data and the code word you came up with when registering on the network.
- SMS message. To deactivate the service, send a message with text “2” to 0500914.
- Office. If it’s not difficult for you to go to the provider’s office, the disconnection can be done right on the spot. When going to the Megafon office, do not forget to take your passport with you.
What does access to the Megafon content service mean?
The ability to connect to various paid services on your phone by sending SMS messages or calls to short numbers is provided to each subscriber by default immediately after activating the SIM card. Since money for using such services is initially debited from the main balance, it is extremely difficult to discover that this is payment for access to Megafon content services, and not expenses for usual communication services. Especially if you don't look at the details. In order not to spend extra money on communications, it is recommended to regularly check the list of services provided, and even better, deactivate unnecessary subscriptions.
Service cost
Almost all mobile services, whether content subscriptions or additional service packages, come with a cost. For many Russian cellular providers, such a blocking service involves depositing from 1 to 5 rubles per day into the television system account. In contrast, the option to ban paid content short numbers on Megafon is provided to all network clients free of charge.
Sources:
- https://HelpsHub.ru/nachisleniya-za-kontent-v-megafone/
- https://megafonum.ru/usluga-megafon-stop-kontent
- https://telefon.guide/mega/uslugi-megafon/kontent-uslugi
- https://protarify.ru/megafon/stop-kontent-megafon.html
Features of the service
Conditions under which connection to the services of Internet providers usually occurs:
- Use of voice services for which charges apply.
- Paid requests in USSD format.
- Sending SMS messages to paid numbers.
Such actions can entail spending from three to several hundred rubles per day. Most often, children and elderly relatives accidentally sign up for such services without carefully reading the terms and conditions. Using “Stop Content” you can protect yourself and your loved ones from unwanted subscriptions. To do this, the mobile operator will block access to all phones that consist of 4 digits. By enabling this option, you don’t have to worry that a random paid SMS message or USSD command will be sent.
As for the free short numbers of the Megafon operator, access to them will not be blocked when “Stop Content” is disabled. The subscriber will be able to continue to use service SMS messages, which are designed to disable and enable various options and services. In addition, it will still be possible to use mobile company numbers 5052, 5051 and 0633.
