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20/10/2004
Phone companies must act over premium rate scam 'epidemic'
Every phone company in the UK has been urged to provide free barring services to help curb a premium rate call fraud "epidemic".
The number of complaints from people unwittingly dialling expensive and fraudulent premium rate numbers in response to letters, small ads, through bogus prize competitions and via the Internet has at least doubled in the last year alone, according to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).
The institute has also called for "strict new regulations and tough penalties" for fraudsters who break guidelines.
"We estimate that more money is probably being taken from consumers every day in premium rate scams than through any other scam," said TSI chief executive Ron Gainsford.
"It’s like a sickness that is reaching epidemic proportions – and we are struggling to contain it," he said.
The TSI advised that consumers can protect themselves by setting up a call-barring facility on their phone. Most phone companies offer the service, but some charge for it – it should be free, the institute said.'
TSI is also lobbying for premium rate phone numbers, currently all prefixed 090, to be split into two distinct categories with different prefixes so consumers can easily recognise those which are going to be particularly expensive.
(gmcg)
The number of complaints from people unwittingly dialling expensive and fraudulent premium rate numbers in response to letters, small ads, through bogus prize competitions and via the Internet has at least doubled in the last year alone, according to the Trading Standards Institute (TSI).
The institute has also called for "strict new regulations and tough penalties" for fraudsters who break guidelines.
"We estimate that more money is probably being taken from consumers every day in premium rate scams than through any other scam," said TSI chief executive Ron Gainsford.
"It’s like a sickness that is reaching epidemic proportions – and we are struggling to contain it," he said.
The TSI advised that consumers can protect themselves by setting up a call-barring facility on their phone. Most phone companies offer the service, but some charge for it – it should be free, the institute said.'
TSI is also lobbying for premium rate phone numbers, currently all prefixed 090, to be split into two distinct categories with different prefixes so consumers can easily recognise those which are going to be particularly expensive.
(gmcg)
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09 December 2004
Ofcom reviews controls on premium rate calls
Telecoms regulator Ofcom has published its findings aimed at improving consumer protection following a review of the regulation of premium rate telephone services in the UK.
Ofcom reviews controls on premium rate calls
Telecoms regulator Ofcom has published its findings aimed at improving consumer protection following a review of the regulation of premium rate telephone services in the UK.
11 August 2006
Watchdog investigates Big Brother vote
The premium rate phone watchdog is investigating the 'Big Brother' voting system after it was decided to allow housemates who had been evicted back on to the reality show.
Watchdog investigates Big Brother vote
The premium rate phone watchdog is investigating the 'Big Brother' voting system after it was decided to allow housemates who had been evicted back on to the reality show.
24 February 2005
NHS to be banned from using premium rate phone numbers
The Department of Health has announced plans to ban the NHS from using expensive phone numbers, which cost patients more to contact NHS services. Health Minister John Hutton announced that the NHS would be banned from using premium and national rates for healthcare services, such as GPs, from April.
NHS to be banned from using premium rate phone numbers
The Department of Health has announced plans to ban the NHS from using expensive phone numbers, which cost patients more to contact NHS services. Health Minister John Hutton announced that the NHS would be banned from using premium and national rates for healthcare services, such as GPs, from April.
29 June 2005
Fines to rise for premium rate ‘scammers’
Rogue firms, which use premium rate numbers in phone and text scams, could face fines of £250,000 under new government proposals. The increase has been promoted by a surge in phone text promotions, prompting callers to dial premium rate numbers, as well as a rise in complaints from consumers unknowingly connecting to expensive Internet diallers.
Fines to rise for premium rate ‘scammers’
Rogue firms, which use premium rate numbers in phone and text scams, could face fines of £250,000 under new government proposals. The increase has been promoted by a surge in phone text promotions, prompting callers to dial premium rate numbers, as well as a rise in complaints from consumers unknowingly connecting to expensive Internet diallers.
06 July 2007
'Richard and Judy' quiz fined
The company behind The Richard and Judy Show's premium rate telephone quiz has been fined £150,000. Eckoh UK Ltd, the company who ran the phone lines for the 'You Say We Pay' quiz on the Channel 4 show, was given the fine by premium rate services regulator Icstis.
'Richard and Judy' quiz fined
The company behind The Richard and Judy Show's premium rate telephone quiz has been fined £150,000. Eckoh UK Ltd, the company who ran the phone lines for the 'You Say We Pay' quiz on the Channel 4 show, was given the fine by premium rate services regulator Icstis.
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