Can you be charged just by opening an SMS from an unknown sender?

There are no paid telecommunication services that charge by simply opening the received SMS. However, there are services that charge per received SMS, so-called subscription services, but the charge occurs as soon as an SMS lands on the recipient’s mobile. It doesn’t matter if you open the SMS or immediately delete it. The charge has already been made. Examples of such services are subscription services for virus protection or other mobile content. There are also services where you pay a fee to stream movies to the phone.

We are aware that there have been reports in the media that you should not open SMS from unknown senders as you can be charged by opening the SMS. These reports are not true and our recommendation is instead that you should open the SMS you receive, as such SMS can contain valuable information about what the service is, what the service costs, how you can cancel a possible subscription service, and contact information for the responsible company.