How do I stop charges billed through my phone bill?
Blocking the Charges
Many carriers let customers block third-party charges on their monthly phone bill. This feature can stop future charges from outside companies. You can usually turn it on through the carrier's app, website, or customer service line.
Ask the carrier to remove the specific charge and confirm the company that billed you. Some charges are for subscriptions you may have signed up for by accident, so check your phone's app store history too.
- Ask the carrier to block third-party billing
- Request removal of the specific charge
- Get the billing company's name in writing
- Check app store subscriptions on the phone
If the Carrier Does Not Help
If the carrier refuses to reverse the charge, you may dispute it with the carrier or your bank. Keep the bill, call logs, and any reference numbers you received. Explain that you did not authorize the service and what steps you have taken.
Unauthorized third-party charges can also be reported to your state attorney general or the Federal Trade Commission. Reporting can add pressure and creates a record.
Some charges come from premium text messages or one-time purchases rather than ongoing subscriptions. Ask the carrier to list each charge with the date and merchant name. Knowing exactly what was billed makes the request clearer and faster to resolve.
Common mistakes
- Paying the charge while the dispute is still open.
- Forgetting to check app store subscriptions tied to your phone.
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