0844 billing scam

carltusler

I use 0844 numbers to make cheap calls abroad, but I'm sure the service providers are billing me for dozens of calls I haven't made. Anyone else had this experience?

jhp

What you have to bear in mind that even if your call is not connected you still pay.

Heinz

jhp wrote:

What you have to bear in mind that even if your call is not connected you still pay.

Which is the drawback with using gateway providers - you start paying for the call as soon as you have finished dialling the gateway part (i.e. after the 11 digits of the 0844, 0871 or 09 number) and before you've even started dialling your 'target' number.

carltusler

Thanks, but I believe I'm being billed for calls not being made at all, ie no digits dialled, and some when the house was empty.

Heinz

carltusler wrote:

Thanks, but I believe I'm being billed for calls not being made at all, ie no digits dialled, and some when the house was empty.

Which is your service provider?

carltusler

My landline is with TalkTalk but the 0844 numbers have been with several different service providers, for instance the latest example is with Telestunt. I make genuine 0844 calls, but then subsequent calls come up again and again for the same number on my TalkTalk bill, sometimes a dozen or so calls over a matter of a few minutes. These are calls I know I have not made, and there are even examples when the house was empty. I've reported this to TalkTalk twice, but they claim I definitely made the calls.

Cooperation

carltusler wrote:

My landline is with TalkTalk but the 0844 numbers have been with several different service providers, for instance the latest example is with Telestunt. I make genuine 0844 calls, but then subsequent calls come up again and again for the same number on my TalkTalk bill, sometimes a dozen or so calls over a matter of a few minutes. These are calls I know I have not made, and there are even examples when the house was empty. I've reported this to TalkTalk twice, but they claim I definitely made the calls.

Are you redialling because the number is unreachable? If you are then you must remember you will be charged for each time you call 0844 numbers even if you are not connected to the final number you are calling

Heinz

carltusler wrote:

My landline is with TalkTalk but the 0844 numbers have been with several different service providers, for instance the latest example is with Telestunt. I make genuine 0844 calls, but then subsequent calls come up again and again for the same number on my TalkTalk bill, sometimes a dozen or so calls over a matter of a few minutes. These are calls I know I have not made, and there are even examples when the house was empty. I've reported this to TalkTalk twice, but they claim I definitely made the calls.

The gateway provider is not really relevant, it's the provider over which you dial that matters (i.e. which bills you). Frankly, I wasn't surpised when you replied that you've handed your line rental to Talk Talk.

carltusler

However I've saved a fortune since switching from BT to TalkTalk with its free broadband, free UK and free EU calls and cheap calls to a host of other countries. TalkTalk are unbeatable. I believe it's the 0844 line providers who are suspect.

Heinz

carltusler wrote:

I believe it's the 0844 line providers who are suspect.

Can't see how - Talk Talk log what you dial and charge accordingly (or should do). The 0844 providers have no access to your line to make 'repeat' or 'phantom' calls.

hurrah

carltusler wrote:

However I've saved a fortune since switching from BT to TalkTalk with its free broadband, free UK and free EU calls and cheap calls to a host of other countries. TalkTalk are unbeatable. I believe it's the 0844 line providers who are suspect.

None of the things you mention are Free, their included in the monthly rental price.

How can 0844 suppliers add calls to your Talk Talk bills, the only people that can do this are Talk Talk themselves.

If their that unbeatable why this thread and many similar.
http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=345488