mblox not cited in latest PP+ adjudications - no really!

[mike99]

Yep!

Actually, I thought of a scheme whereby I would set up a company and register it in the BVI and use it to send reverse charge spam to every 09 number and short code in use on the planet the thereby kill two birds with one stone: become stinking rich; steal lots of money from a bunch of scumbag millionaires who deserve a taste of their own medicine.

Not sure this would work though

[AnthonyC]

I like the idea but the terminology needs some work, no self-respecting premium-rate firm would ever use such words as 'steal'!

[El Gringo]

http://www.spreadmedia.co.uk/

Welcome to OHWEBSERVER9
I'm afraid the website you are looking for is not available on this server.

may be they have become 'content providers'
http://www.spreadmobile.co.uk/

Domain name:
spreadmobile.co.uk

Registrant:
David Shepard

Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 5799475)

Registrant's address:
Wheatley Business Centre
Old London Road
Wheatley
Oxon
OX33 1YW
GB

Registrar:
GX Networks Ltd t/a 123-Reg.co.uk [Tag = 123-REG]
URL: http://www.123-reg.co.uk

Relevant dates:
Registered on: 10-Aug-2006
Renewal date: 10-Aug-2010
Last updated: 07-Nov-2008

Registration status:
Registered until renewal date.

Name servers:
ns1.openhosts.com
ns2.openhosts.com

Number checker
PhonepayPlus has the following information about the number 80824.


This is a shortcode number. This is a text message service charged at premium rate. The types of services operating on this number can be ring tones, jokes, games tarot, chat, mobile internet services (WAP) and more.

* This service costs £1.50 per text.

To stop the service you simply need to open a text with the words STOP ALL (in capitals) to the shortcode number.If you would like to find out more about this service or have a question about it you should contact the company that provides this service which is listed below.

Spread Media Ltd
Wheatley Business Centre
Old London Road
Wheatley
Oxon
OX33 1YW
Tel: 08702 433 086
customerservices@spreadmobile.co.uk

Domain name:
talenttown.co.uk

Registrant:
Mark Henstone

Registrant type:
UK Individual

Registrant's address:
The registrant is a non-trading individual who has opted to have their
address omitted from the WHOIS service.

Registrar:
GX Networks Ltd t/a 123-Reg.co.uk [Tag = 123-REG]
URL: http://www.123-reg.co.uk

Relevant dates:
Registered on: 01-Mar-2007
Renewal date: 01-Mar-2009
Last updated: 01-Mar-2007

Registration status:
Renewal required.

Name servers:
ns1.openhosts.com
ns2.openhosts.com

You have entered the short code 80824. GHS Solutions is the merchant responsible for this service and will respond speedily to any queries you may have.

For GHS Solutions customer care, please contact via phone +44 (0)8712444434 or email at Simon@spreadmobile.co.uk OR customerservices@talenttown.co.uk.

mBlox specializes in delivering messages for our clients. We do not create, promote or sell content, we operate the network that carries these services. The service delivered to your phone has actually been transacted with mBlox's client GHS Solutions.

mBlox takes customer care very seriously

[AnthonyC]

So mBlox are saying the other guys are responsible and PP+ are saying mBlox are. So we just go 'round and 'round in circles?!?

Just got this email a few minutes ago from David Levitt at PP+

I am the Investigations Executive charged with the running of this investigation. As Paul Whiteing has indicated in his email below, during the current investigation PhonepayPlus has never at any stage dealt with Spread Media Limited. A thorough investigation into the activities of all parties to the value chain – mBlox Limited and Spread Mobile Services Limited – has been undertaken.

If you have been informed that your complaint is with ‘Spread Media’ then that is indeed incorrect.

When investigations arise in any circumstances the Executive is careful to review the complaint’s history, timeline, along with facts relating to service operation and the parties operating it. Where it is appropriate the Executive makes full use of its powers under paragraph 8.9.3 of the PhonepayPlus Code of Practice 11th Edition (amended April 2008) in relation to potential failures to comply with previous sanctions imposed. This case was processed in the usual manner following the Standard Procedure, and at no time did the Executive consider the evidence justified using these powers.

The case will come before the Code Compliance Panel sitting in Tribunal on 2nd April 2009. As a complainant you will be kept fully informed of the adjudication decision, which will be published on the website in the usual way.

FWIW he's the 'Investigations Executive'

[El Gringo]

David Shepard Abridged Online Portfolio
globaltones.co.uk szassymobile.co.uk ringtones.chatterbox.com/ spreadmobile.co.uk/Three spreadmobile.co.uk/3. WAP Sites. Online Registration for WBlog ...
www.vaudaville.com/online/ - 6k - Cached - Similar pages

http://www.vaudaville.com/online/

Corporate Websites
spreadmedia.co.uk
spreadmobile.co.uk
dtiltd.com
equinoxagency.co.uk
laidaconsulting.com
mobile privacy service
iridia.com

Affiliate Sites
globaltones.co.uk
szassymobile.co.uk
ringtones.chatterbox.com/
spreadmobile.co.uk/Three
spreadmobile.co.uk/3

WAP Sites
Online Registration for WBlog
spreadmobile../wap/xmas.php
spreadmobile../wap/sfx.php

Content and Services
spreadmedia../simtext
spreadmedia../enjoyengland
photoidol.co.uk
destiny-lines.co.uk
hisfavourite.co.uk
herfavourite.co.uk
unlockyourdream.co.uk
humourscopes.com
chitchatglobal.com
talenttown.co.uk
txtmym8.com
spreadmobile../devilcards

Finance Service Portals
clickyoucan.com
bestfinancedeal.com
anyloanyouwant.co.uk
lastchance4finance.com

Personal Sites
vaudaville.com
early resume

last update 06/03/2008
mail@vaudaville.com

[AnthonyC]

And some more info on David Shepard here on my blog!

[mike99]

So mBlox are saying the other guys are responsible and PP+ are saying mBlox are. So we just go 'round and 'round in circles?!?

Just got this email a few minutes ago from David Levitt at PP+

FWIW he's the 'Investigations Executive'

Originally Posted by AnthonyC

The bit he quotes from the CoP is this:

8.9.3 The failure of any service provider to comply with any sanction within any reasonable time period imposed on it by PhonepayPlus will result in:

1. PhonepayPlus issuing a direction to all relevant network operators requiring suspension of access to some or all of the numbers allocated to the service provider until full compliance with PhonepayPlus sanctions has been achieved,
2. a further breach of the Code by the service provider, which may result in additional sanctions being imposed.

Not sure why this is relevant. mBlox always "cooperates" with PP+. MBlox withholds the money that the content provider has stolen until it is clear whether or not PP+ are going to lumber into action. If PP+ do react, mBlox hands some of the stolen money over to PP+ and gives the rest to the content provider (keeping its own cut). If PP+ don't react, mBlox hands all of the stolen money over to the content provider (keeping its own cut). But mBlox always pay up

(There are of course cases where none of the money is stolen and all of it is legitimately obtained from persuading small children and adults who watch programmes like Richard and Judy to part with their cash voluntarily)

[mike99]

BTW

MBlox have teamed up twice before with Spread Media to scam the public (we don't know how many times mBlox have teamed up with them in business ventures that PP+ considers legitimate).

On the most recent occasion, PP+ took into account the breach history of the service provider (something PP+ now seems to have stopped taking into account) and imposed a 6 month bar on premium rate services promoted by reverse billed SMS.

So in addition to pointing out that stealing from people is wrong and illegal, PP+ actually stopped Spread Media/Mobile doing it for a few months! Who said PP+ are about as much use as a chocolate fire-guard?

[mike99]

during the current investigation PhonepayPlus has never at any stage dealt with Spread Media Limited. A thorough investigation into the activities of all parties to the value chain – mBlox Limited and Spread Mobile Services Limited – has been undertaken.

Actually, re-reading this bit, this could be taken to suggest that PP+ are refusing to deal with the information/content provider (Spread Media/Mobile) and insisting on dealing only with the service provider (mBlox). Given that Spread Media have gone bust, this would figure I suppose.

Or are they seriously suggesting that Spread Media and Spread Mobile are different companies? Time will tell I suppose.

[mike99]

Three company numbers, two addresses, two company names, perm at will:

Company Details - SPREAD MOBILE SERVICES LIMITED
Registered No.06506026
(?)
Address: 79 CAROLINE STREET, BIRMINGHAM, B3 1UP, B3 1UP
Tel: We do not list telephone numbers. Click here to search for a telephone number at 192.com
Type: Incorporated
Incorporation Date: 2008-02-18
Status: In Liquidation
Last Accounts Filed up to: -
Last Accounts Analysed: -
Nature of business SIC: - Unknown
Domain name:
spreadmobile.co.uk

Registrant:
David Shepard

Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 5799475)

Registrant's address:
Wheatley Business Centre
Old London Road
Wheatley
Oxon
OX33 1YW
GB

Registrar:
GX Networks Ltd t/a 123-Reg.co.uk [Tag = 123-REG]
URL: http://www.123-reg.co.uk

Relevant dates:
Registered on: 10-Aug-2006
Renewal date: 10-Aug-2010
Last updated: 07-Nov-2008

Registration status:
Registered until renewal date.

Name servers:
ns1.openhosts.com
ns2.openhosts.com

Company Details - SPREAD MEDIA LIMITED
Registered No.05799475
(?)
Address: WINTERHILL HOUSE MARLOW REACH, STATION APPROACH, MARLOW, BUCKS, SL7 1NT
Tel: We do not list telephone numbers. Click here to search for a telephone number at 192.com
Type: Private Limited with share capital
Incorporation Date: 28-04-2006
Status: Company in liquidation
Last Accounts Filed up to: 31-03-2007
Last Accounts Analysed: 31-03-2007
Nature of business SIC: 64200 - Telecommunications
Domain name:
spreadmedia.co.uk

Registrant:
Equinox Agency Ltd

Registrant type:
UK Limited Company, (Company number: 5261411)

Registrant's address:
Belsyre Court, 57 Woodstock Road
Oxford
Oxon
OX2 6HJ
GB

Registrar:
GX Networks Ltd t/a 123-Reg.co.uk [Tag = 123-REG]
URL: http://www.123-reg.co.uk

Relevant dates:
Registered on: 18-Apr-2006
Renewal date: 18-Apr-2010
Last updated: 19-Feb-2008

Registration status:
Registered until renewal date.

Name servers:
ns1.openhosts.com
ns2.openhosts.com

Company Details - SPREAD MOBILE LIMITED
Registered No.05261411
(?)
Address: WINTERHILL HOUSE MARLOW REACH ST, MARLOW, MARLOW, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE, SL7 1NT
Tel: We do not list telephone numbers. Click here to search for a telephone number at 192.com
Type: Private Limited with share capital
Incorporation Date: 15-10-2004
Status: Dissolved company.
Last Accounts Filed up to: 31-12-2006
Last Accounts Analysed: 31-12-2005
Nature of business SIC: 74840 - Other business activities not elsewhere classified
Recent Changes:
26/02/2009 GAZ2 - Second notification of strike-off action in London Gazette (Section 652).

[AnthonyC]

Aha, now some of this is beginning to make sense! What? Well, I didn't recall seeing Birmingham linked to Spread Mobile/Media when I did my investigating before. But then again, I wasn't looking for Spread Mobile Services! And a google for 'Spread Mobile Services' only comes back with a couple of hits from my site (and believe me, I'd have tagged every related post with it had I been aware at the time!)

Looks like PhonepayPlus are easily fooled or simply can't be bothered. I wonder which is true? And if they can't be bothered investigating (or simply talking to) the 'Information Provider' (or whatever they like to call the likes of Spread Media/Mobile) then who are they going to ban for 6 months... mBlox?!? Not bloody likely!

[mike99]

I wouldn't take the Birmingham address too seriously - or any address provided by a content/information provider.

The Birmingham address is used by

Butcher Woods
79 Caroline Street
Birmingham
B3 1UP

Who specialize in liquidations

Though it is also used by

Global Telecom Management Ltd.
79 Caroline Street, Birmingham, West Midlands, B3 1UP
0808 144 9831

and many other firms that are going down the tube.

[AnthonyC]

Shame as I'd love to do a 'Daz' (doorstep challenge) on Mr Shepard. Don't worry Dave if you're reading this, you could easily beat the crap out of me (even my youngest nephew can) - I just simply want to challenge you and your business model and capture our conversation on camera!

[AnthonyC]

Any ideas as to why US defence contractor Raytheon have been taking an interest in my mBlox posts?

[mike99]

I guess it's just someone working there who's been ripped off by mblox ............... unless you want to get into some really far out conspiracy theories.

[AnthonyC]

You're probably right. Hopefully you are as that person might send a patriot missile (or two) to Sunnyvale!

(US DoD, Homeland Security and mBlox - I'm only kidding!)

[mike99]

Shame as I'd love to do a 'Daz' (doorstep challenge) on Mr Shepard. Don't worry Dave if you're reading this, you could easily beat the crap out of me (even my youngest nephew can) - I just simply want to challenge you and your business model and capture our conversation on camera!

Originally Posted by AnthonyC

Well if you're heading that way with your camera try

DAVID G SHEPARD 1 HAYFIELD ROAD OXFORD OX2 6TX - all his other addresses are bogus (either solicitors or mail drops)

[AnthonyC]

Of course I have to take into account that Hotwire PR (mBlox's UK PR) gave Mr Shepard my home address too (without my consent). Maybe I better not wind up David too much as he knows where I live! Thanks Hotwire! :o(

[AnthonyC]

Looks like Dave's done quite well for himself, houses 'round there can't be cheap (I'll check later when I've got time...)

David's place on Google Maps

Wonder what Andrew Bud's place (places?) is (are?) like?