"Premium rate numbers are not designed to be used in this way."We would strongly discourage people from adopting this idea, as they will be liable under our code for any rule breaches and subsequent fines."
It is annoying to read this part of the story, surely the regulator should be applying "The Rules" to those making the cold calls in the first place.
Businesses seem to want the right not to pay extra for interrupting your business, too bad.
Could we give out the private numbers of the officials responsible for regulating cold calling and are reluctant to prosecute firms? That might get some action.
Typical position from a so called "regulator" - protecting the firms they are supposed to be policing and offering no support to the ordinary consumer. They should be publishing an easy step by step guide so we can all do it.
Unfortunately, PhonePay Plus (the regulator) could get him on a technical point - anyone operating a premium rate number must make callers aware of the cost of ringing it.
From their website;
Premium rate services must:
be upfront about the service they offer and the cost
treat consumers fairly
comply with the law
not invade consumer privacy
not cause harm or unreasonable offence to consumers
resolve consumer complaints quickly
All premium rate companies have to:
register with PhonepayPlus
submit and maintain accurate details of its services and numbers to PhonepayPlus
check the companies they contract with
ensure consumers are not put at risk
follow any direction, instruction, notice or request for information from PhonepayPlus
Unfortunately, PhonePay Plus (the regulator) could get him on a technical point - anyone operating a premium rate number must make callers aware of the cost of ringing it.
This is interesting, because they didn't actually prohibit him from continuing with his 0871 number. Makes me if this list isn't exactly relevant:
PhonePayPlus is talking nonsense. I adopted this approach in 2004 using the 070 code and provided this as my contact number - it was a 'personal number' after all. It certainly weeded out the spurious callers, but the real phone number still gets calls so it isn't foolproof.
It is always up to the caller to decide whether to pay the cost of the call - and neither does the recipient have to advise the cost of the call as he's not advertising it.
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Shame about this bit....
"Premium rate numbers are not designed to be used in this way."We would strongly discourage people from adopting this idea, as they will be liable under our code for any rule breaches and subsequent fines."
It is annoying to read this part of the story, surely the regulator should be applying "The Rules" to those making the cold calls in the first place.
"Premium rate numbers are not to be used in this way"
In what way exactly - heres my phone number - call me if you like?
What it means is the boot can't be used on the other foot!
Could we give out the private numbers of the officials responsible for regulating cold calling and are reluctant to prosecute firms? That might get some action.
I would say that these numbers are designed exactly to be used in this way!
Unfortunately, PhonePay Plus (the regulator) could get him on a technical point - anyone operating a premium rate number must make callers aware of the cost of ringing it.
From their website;
Premium rate services must:
- be upfront about the service they offer and the cost
- treat consumers fairly
- comply with the law
- not invade consumer privacy
- not cause harm or unreasonable offence to consumers
- resolve consumer complaints quickly
All premium rate companies have to:I wonder if the cost of the helpline could be used to judge companies on their commitment to quality after sales support?
If there is no company, does this apply?
What they really need is some condition that only businesses can have 0871 numbers. Then this might have more weight.
It is always up to the caller to decide whether to pay the cost of the call - and neither does the recipient have to advise the cost of the call as he's not advertising it.