Please note
Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with the NCC. This is general information — use official NCC channels (ncc.gov.ng, the Consumer Portal, DND 2442 and the toll-free line 622). Short codes, tariffs and processes can change and vary by network — confirm with the NCC or your operator.
What VAS deductions are
Value Added Services (VAS) are extras beyond calls/SMS — caller tunes, news/sports alerts, horoscopes, games. Unauthorised VAS subscriptions silently deduct your airtime, often after an accidental tap on an ad or pop-up.
Stop them (2442)
Sending STOP to 2442 (the DND service) helps opt you out of promotional VAS and unsolicited subscriptions. This is the quickest first move.
Unsubscribe from services
Each operator also has unsubscribe keywords/menus (often dialling a VAS management code or texting STOP/CANCEL to the service’s shortcode). Check your operator’s VAS management option and cancel anything you didn’t authorise.
Getting a refund
If you were charged for something you never subscribed to, complain to your operator with dates/amounts and request a refund. If unresolved, escalate to the NCC via 622 or the Consumer Portal.
Prevent future ones
Keep DND on, avoid tapping unknown ads/pop-ups, and enable transaction/airtime alerts so you spot deductions fast.
Tips
- STOP to 2442 first.
- Unsubscribe via your operator’s VAS menu.
- Claim refunds; escalate via 622.
See and kill VAS with *305#
The single most useful tool against mystery deductions is *305# — the NCC's unified USSD code for Value-Added Services across all networks. Dial it and you can see every VAS subscription active on your line and deactivate any you didn't knowingly sign up for — caller tunes, horoscopes, sports alerts, “tips” services and the like. Because it's one code on every network, you don't need to hunt for operator-specific instructions. Make checking *305# a habit whenever your airtime vanishes faster than it should.
The consent rule: no auto-renewal without you
Your protection here isn't just a code — it's a rule. The NCC has directed operators not to auto-renew data or VAS subscriptions without the subscriber's prior consent, and consumers must be able to opt out. That means a service quietly renewing and deducting your airtime, with no clear consent, is a breach you can act on. Knowing this changes the conversation from “why was I charged?” to “this shouldn't have happened without my consent” — and gives you grounds to escalate.
Stop the charges and the messages
Deductions and spam usually travel together, so shut both down: dial *305# to cancel the paid VAS subscriptions, and text STOP to 2442 to end the unsolicited promotional SMS that push them. If you've been charged for a service you never subscribed to, complain to your operator for a refund first, and if unresolved, take it to the NCC on 622. Between *305#, 2442 and 622, most Nigerians can stop the drip of unwanted charges entirely.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my airtime disappearing?
Often due to unauthorised Value Added Service (VAS) subscriptions that silently deduct airtime, frequently triggered by tapping an ad or pop-up.
How do I stop VAS deductions?
Send STOP to 2442 (DND) to opt out of promotional VAS, and use your operator’s VAS management menu to unsubscribe from specific services.
Can I get a refund for wrong VAS charges?
Yes — complain to your operator with dates and amounts and request a refund; if unresolved, escalate to the NCC via 622 or the Consumer Portal.
How do I prevent future VAS deductions?
Keep DND on, avoid tapping unknown ads/pop-ups, and enable airtime/transaction alerts to spot deductions quickly.
What is VAS?
Value Added Services — extras beyond calls and SMS such as caller tunes, alerts and games, some of which auto-subscribe and charge airtime.
How do I stop VAS deductions?
Dial *305# — the NCC's unified Value-Added Services code on all networks — to see your active VAS subscriptions and cancel any you didn't want. Also text STOP to 2442 to end the promotional SMS that push these services.
What is *305#?
The NCC's unified USSD code for managing Value-Added Services across every Nigerian network. It lets you view and deactivate active VAS subscriptions (caller tunes, alerts, 'tips' services, etc.) that may be deducting your airtime.
Can operators auto-renew a subscription without my consent?
No. The NCC has directed operators not to auto-renew data or VAS subscriptions without the subscriber's prior consent, and you must be able to opt out. A service renewing and deducting airtime without clear consent is a breach you can escalate.
How do I get a refund for wrongful VAS charges?
Complain to your network operator first, with the dates and amounts, and request a refund for the service you never subscribed to. If they don't resolve it satisfactorily, escalate to the NCC on 622 with your complaint reference.
Why do I keep getting charged for services I didn't want?
Usually a VAS subscription activated on your line (sometimes via a misleading link or pop-up) that auto-renews. Dial *305# to find and cancel it, and text STOP to 2442 to block the promotional messages that lead to these sign-ups.