Was watching the news tonight and noticed mobile users are getting charged ridiculous sums of money for receiving text messages. Apparently they can cost as much as HK$50 just to read a text message? I've never heard of such a scam, has anyone been on the wrong end of one of these?

I've always just known it was free to receive SMS, free to send SMS to users of the same mobile operator, and $0.50 for each SMS that is a different provider.

More info here:
http://news.gov.hk/en/category/businessandfinance/091216/html/091216en03002.htm

Telecom fee clarity urged

Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Rita Lau has urged telecommunications service providers to clearly state the fees for their services, so consumers will not be misled into believing some are free.

Mrs Lau told reporters today it is unacceptable for some telecom firms to send out an unreasonable number of short messages or use dishonest means to make mobile phone users pay for certain services.