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29/06/2005
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.
The services in question offer information and entertainment via phone, fax, PC, mobile or interactive digital TV. The cost varies between 10 pence per call to £1.50 per minute and is shared between the telephone company carrying the service and the organisation providing the content.
The services are advertised on either 090 dialling codes or via four or five digit short codes, followed by a descriptive key word (such as ‘82828 VOTE’, for example). However, in some cases, such as the use of interactive TV where viewers use their remote controls to make calls, the premium rate number may not be shown.
It is estimated that around 40,000 of these service are in operation at any one time, generating an estimated revenue of £1 billion in 2004.
Communication regulator Ofcom conducted a review of premium rate services last year, which recommended tightening up the regulatory regime, giving ICSTIS more powers to act against those who abuse premium rate services.
The rise in the cost of the fines, from £100,000 to £250,000, was proposed by E-Commerce Minister Alun Michael and is supported by the premium services regulator ICSTIS.
E-Commerce Minister Alun Michael said: “I’m determined to see that consumers are protected against rogue firms abusing the phone network and bringing misery to millions with nuisance calls. We have the right to use the Internet without the fear of being exploited by firms who prey on consumers. Customers have unwittingly run up hefty phone bills when their automatic dial ups get locked in to a premium rate number.”
George Kidd, ICSTIS Director said that the new fine limit would “ensure that the relatively small number of rogues out there do not continue to damage trust and confidence in the entire premium rate industry.”
The increase in the fines is part of a drive to tackle nuisance calls. Ofcom has announced that they are investigating seven companies who made nuisance calls, usually silent or short duration calls, following a string of complaints from consumers.
(KMcA)
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.
The services in question offer information and entertainment via phone, fax, PC, mobile or interactive digital TV. The cost varies between 10 pence per call to £1.50 per minute and is shared between the telephone company carrying the service and the organisation providing the content.
The services are advertised on either 090 dialling codes or via four or five digit short codes, followed by a descriptive key word (such as ‘82828 VOTE’, for example). However, in some cases, such as the use of interactive TV where viewers use their remote controls to make calls, the premium rate number may not be shown.
It is estimated that around 40,000 of these service are in operation at any one time, generating an estimated revenue of £1 billion in 2004.
Communication regulator Ofcom conducted a review of premium rate services last year, which recommended tightening up the regulatory regime, giving ICSTIS more powers to act against those who abuse premium rate services.
The rise in the cost of the fines, from £100,000 to £250,000, was proposed by E-Commerce Minister Alun Michael and is supported by the premium services regulator ICSTIS.
E-Commerce Minister Alun Michael said: “I’m determined to see that consumers are protected against rogue firms abusing the phone network and bringing misery to millions with nuisance calls. We have the right to use the Internet without the fear of being exploited by firms who prey on consumers. Customers have unwittingly run up hefty phone bills when their automatic dial ups get locked in to a premium rate number.”
George Kidd, ICSTIS Director said that the new fine limit would “ensure that the relatively small number of rogues out there do not continue to damage trust and confidence in the entire premium rate industry.”
The increase in the fines is part of a drive to tackle nuisance calls. Ofcom has announced that they are investigating seven companies who made nuisance calls, usually silent or short duration calls, following a string of complaints from consumers.
(KMcA)
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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.
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.
06 March 2007
ITV suspends premium rate services
ITV has announced that it has suspended all premium rate number phone-ins pending a review by auditors. Deloitte has been appointed as independent auditors to conduct a complete review of all premium rate interactive services in ITV programmes.
ITV suspends premium rate services
ITV has announced that it has suspended all premium rate number phone-ins pending a review by auditors. Deloitte has been appointed as independent auditors to conduct a complete review of all premium rate interactive services in ITV programmes.
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.
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