[Resolved]  Airtel — Java Game download fraud

Address:

Bangalore, Karnataka

Airtel seems to be running a very widespread scam through mobile ads. I can see many complaints in the same forum about this, and surely many more go unreported or even unknown.

Here is the scam:
1. Place links on mobile apps and websites (sometimes possibly close to buttons, other links etc)
2. Wait for people to accidentally click them
3. WITHOUT ANY CONFIRMATION, deduct money from the prepaid balance.
4. Send an SMS that "You have downloaded ABC game"
5. These ads are run on 3rd party apps and websites, so the user has no clue about what is going on - except when they receive the SMS.

Two major issues here:
1. How can an ad directly link to my phone number, and deduct money from it? (Big privacy issue)
--- Have you seen an ad/link that directly deducts money from your bank account without warning?
2. Where is the confirmation dialog??? Isn't it mandatory?

In addition, I never received this silly game. In fact, I don't even know what game it is!!!

This is very widespread; so many people have been affected. And after a complaint their customer service blocks your number; so I had to call from different numbers.