Scams With Premium Rate Numbers

From time to time individuals who think they can make some quick easy money, try and pull scams using 090 premium rate numbers. Listed below are some of the scams that have been pulled. In all cases the individuals were caught, their 090 telephone numbers were shut down - and they made no money at all.

Parcel Scam Warning
If you receive a card through your door from a parcel delivery company saying that they have a parcel awaiting delivery instructions and can you contact them on a premium rate number eg. 0906 1234567. DO NOT call the number as this is a scam. If you call the number, you will be billed up to £15. If you call the number and you start to hear a recorded message you will end up being billed £15 for the phone call. If you do receive a card with these details, then please throw it away and do not call the number provided.

Rogue Premium Rate Internet Diallers
Rogue internet diallers secretly download virus software to transfer dial-up internet connections from low-cost or freephone numbers to expensive 090 premium rate numbers. 

The rogue dialler is installed on your computer without your knowledge, usually when you open a spam email or visit a website where the software is hidden. You can run up vast bills - often into the several hundred pounds per month. 

Hotel Fax Scam
Hotel staff were asked to fax information such as brochures, maps or menus through to an 090 number - and, contrary to regulations, received no indication they would be charged at premium rates. 

The hotels were often asked to supply as much literature as possible, extending the length of the call and making more money for the companies. Read full article on BBC website.

Text Message Prize Scam
On your mobile phone you will receive a message saying 'Congrats you have won a prize - your claim number is ABCD123 - to claim your prize call 090 etc etc'. ' - The service provider was found to be in breach of the ICSTIS Code of Practice because the service was found to be inappropriate. Also, the promotional material failed to state the likely playing time or full cost of the call to the service. RESULT - The service was ordered to stop operating until it fulfills the requirements of the ICSTIS Code and to pay for the cost of the investigation.

For more information on consumer scams or if you need help or advice contact Consumer Direct telephone number 08454 04 05 06