IQ ‘tests’ sent through hacked Twitter accounts will test how stupid you are
If you click on them and complete the test, that is 
I got this Tweet from a trusted networking colleague: “hello! bet you can’t answer this question right.. go here http://qwizzertest.info”.
I clicked on the link and found myself here.
It’s one of those premium mobile text services where simply clicking one button gives these sharks permission to take $9.99 a month from your mobile credit. Unbelievable. There must be literally millions of pounds being sucked up by these kind of ’services’. The small print says:
This is an auto renewing subscription service that will continue until cancelled anytime by texting STOP to short code 86455. Available to users over 18 for $9.99 per month charged on your wireless account or deducted from your prepaid balance for 3 alerts per week on T-Mobile, AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Nextel, Virgin Mobile USA, U.S. Cellular, Cellular One, Cincinnati Bell and Unicel. For $4.99 per month for 2 alerts per week on Boost. We do not support Alltel. For Genius Inspiration support: text HELP to 86455, email our customer service centre or call 1800 235 7105 for automated help or call 1800 416 6129 for a live operator. Standard messaging charges apply for T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless, Sprint, Nextel and Boost. All other carriers, standard messaging and/or data rates may apply. Your phone must have text messaging capability. You must be the owner of this device or have permission from the owner. By signing up for this service and entering your personal PIN Code delivered to the cell phone number supplied by you on this website, you acknowledge that you are agreeing to the full Terms of Use. Click here for full Terms & Conditions. For Privacy Policy Click here.
The process is designed to make you think you’re simply entering your mobile phone number to receive your score (after having taken part in an ‘IQ’ test). Unless you’re alert, you’ll have entered your number before you see the small print informing you that entering your phone number constitutes agreement to the contract.
Whether or not this is legal I have no idea and I don’t much care. Like most scams, it teeters on being technically legal at the same time as cynically exploitative. What I do know is that it’s designed to prey on the uncritical, unaware internet user. Legal or not, hijacking Twitter accounts to pump out these links out is definitely scammy.
By the way, in case you were wondering what you’d get for your ongoing $9.99 a month? 3 texts containing some interesting facts. Wow.
