These past few days many Go Mobile users received a message from 5070 5070 stating that they are a nominee for 10 chances in the GO4AYGO. I was very disturbed with this message because little did I know that the price for replying to that SMS was €1.20. I only found out, like many others, after reading the bottom part of the message.

Many who are unfamiliar with today’s technology fell into the trap and replied to the message to find out, first of all, who was behind this message.

Well, I got my reply when I visited the Go shop in South Street, Valletta.

Apparently, this is a new game originating from Go itself and they are calling it a skill game. If you made the mistake of replying to that message, well, they cannot do anything about it.

It seems that all we had to do is visit the Go website and get the terms and conditions, which are quite a mouthful, and find how to unsubscribe.

Later that day, I called the Gaming Authority and a very polite lady took the trouble to explain to me the loophole that this skill game has used. Apparently, the Authority is having a hard time with a barrage of similar complaints. It also seems to be unable to act because there is no ‘draw’ written anywhere. So, a skill game that is not a draw and takes a hefty €1.20 every time you reply to their messages. Indeed, it is not a draw but it might be a scam, though! Beware everyone because we will be seeing a lot more abuses with the famous 500 number. I suggest that the Gaming Authority, with immediate effect, seek legal and MPs’ help to sort these games out before they blow up out of proportion. Actually, I was thinking of applying for a 500 number and stay at home making money when anyone calls me. Let’s get real.