Issued By
West Yorkshire Trading
Standards Service
DON'T GET CAUGHT OUT BY PREMIUM RATE NUMBERS
The West Yorkshire Trading Standards Service has
recently seen an increase in the number of enquiries about premium rate
telephone numbers. There are a
number of companies increasing their use of premium rate lines.
There are some companies using this service legitimately. For instance, computer
helplines when there is a problem with your pc, internet service provider
helplines. However, there are other
companies such as those operating prize lines, that consumers may contact only
to find out that they have won the lowest prize, or no prize at all.
ICSTIS ( the Independent Committee for the
Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services) plays a vital role
in protecting consumers and enabling them to make an informed choice. A premium
rate numbering survey found that a move to a single dialling code range would
make it easier for consumers to identify premium rate numbers.
All premium rate numbers start with 090, the fourth
digit will indicate the nature and the cost of the call.
For instance:
0900 +
0901 – calls cost no more than 60p a minute or £5 in total
or there may be a single call charge of £1
0905 + 0906 – calls can cost any amount per minute
and there is no maximum call
cost, or there may be an alternative single call charge at any rate
The general warning direct from ICSTIS is that all
premium rate services begin with 090. Any
adverts concerning premium rate lines should include a clear pricing indication
and the name and contact details of the service provider.
If a person cannot see these details, they are
illegible or misleading ICSTIS, has
the power to investigate the matter. They
can fine companies, bar access to their service and even ban the individuals who
are running that premium rate line, for a set period of time. This means that
once a person is banned they cannot immediately set up another company name
using premium rate lines.
Not all premium rate numbers are bad. However there are a small handful of companies
who do attempt to ignore the rules. Please remember that you do not have to call
the premium rate number. You could
write to the company instead. If a
consumer wants further information about a particular company they can contact
the ICSTIS helpline on 0800 500 212.
Martin Wood Chief Officer of West Yorkshire Joint
Services said “ Consumers should remember one golden rule.
If a number starts with 090 it is a premium rate number and will have a
higher charge than a normal telephone call. If West Yorkshire residents have any
queries they can contact our advice line on 0113 3 848 848
9.30-6.30 Mon- Fri and 9.00-5.00 Saturday, or minicom on 0113 2892 265,
alternatively log on to our
website on www.adviceline.org.uk.
For further information please contact
Graham Hebblethwaite Divisional Manager/ General
Media Contact 0113 289 8218