18185 texts

el_guapo_2 · 22 February 2008 at 8:33PM

Hi all
Have used 18185 for a few years for cheap phone calls without problems. Last October they started advertising SMS to UK mobiles for a 1p a text. Started using it, again no problems, then some of the texts started to be charged at 6p... that's 6 times the stated price.

Tried to contact 18185 without luck. Went ot Derbyshire County Council trading standards dept. who, weeks later, have admitted defeat by stating..'

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'Further to your enquiry re the trading activity of 18185 as the business is based and operates from Switzerland we have no jurisdiction over their activities.

As you are aware we have attempted to refer this matter to the traders address in London but this was returned as ‘addressee has gone away’ by the Post Office.

We could try and refer these issues via the Office of Fair Trading however I feel it would be more expedient if you could go to
www.econsumer.gov and register these issues direct with them as this has been set up to help resolve cross-border consumer issues and is operated by ICPEN (International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network) www.icpen.org/cross.htm
They also operate an informal dispute resolution system that could be of help.'

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This all seems ludicrous. 18185 are breaking the law and possibly ripping off hundreds or thousands of their customers with this practice... probably most people won't be aware of what they are being charged. I've been ripped off to the tune of £50 at least. 5000 customers like me amounts to a quarter of a million pounds... in only 3 months.

Any helpful ideas please...? Anyone got any chance of getting one of the newspapers to feature it/ help get it sorted out.. or MSE..? 18185 are recommended - or at least listed by MSE I believe.

Thanks

El_Guapo

el_guapo_2 · 22 February 2008 at 8:35PM

How do I find this thread to look for replies please..?

DatabaseError · 22 February 2008 at 8:40PM

thread tools, subscribe, then it will show in your user CP

twins4384 · 23 February 2008 at 7:40PM

Is there not a connection charge of 5p when sending the text plus the 1p. When using 18185 seervices there is always a connection charge.

stamford · 24 February 2008 at 12:18AM

Just looked at my invoices/itemised calls as I send texts overseas - all charged at £0.01 inc VAT no connection charge.

jhp · 24 February 2008 at 3:11AM

twins4384 wrote: »

Is there not a connection charge of 5p when sending the text plus the 1p. When using 18185 seervices there is always a connection charge.

For calls yes, but not for text messages.

cundall · 24 February 2008 at 10:14AM

Maybe they have a AUP? As i had free txt with voipcheap then they started charging me after i told someone about the free txt and they were using it day and night!

thanet · 5 April 2008 at 10:22PM

I am also having the same problem with 18185 and sms texts. i am being charged 6p each text and have contacted them 4 times up to yet with no reply from them. I cant understand how they can just up the price like that, their web site clearly states 1p each. Is there anuthing we can do or another trustworthy company?

billsavings · 7 April 2008 at 6:55AM

thanet wrote: »

I am also having the same problem with 18185 and sms texts. i am being charged 6p each text and have contacted them 4 times up to yet with no reply from them. I cant understand how they can just up the price like that, their web site clearly states 1p each. Is there anuthing we can do or another trustworthy company?

I am still being charged 1p.