As cellphone use explodes, the number of times a number is recycled increases. This used to just mean a few “sorry, wrong numbers” but now it might mean a big billing headache.

If the former user didn’t cancel their text-message based services, like sports scores and potential dating matches, updates, you can start getting charged for their info fix.

What can a consumer do?
• Fight with the cellular provider to get the charges waived.
• Contact the 3rd party services themselves and remove the service.
• In extreme instances, disable text messages entirely.

What can a cellphone company do?
• Notify 3rd party services when number owners turn over.
• Wait longer before recycling numbers.
• Open up more area codes.

(Thanks to Philip!)

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