Identifying Premium rate mobile numbers 0747XXXXXXX

chopps

Virgin Mobile charged a text message I sent to a mobile number beginning with 0747 at their premium rate. They say there's no easy way to identify such numbers from normal network mobile numbers and they are not included in the usual monthly calls and text allowances.
Is this correct and the same for other mobile providers ?
If so you would only know it was a non-standard number when you get the bill.

grumbler

It's not a 'premium' number and I guess it was charged at their standard out-of-alloance rate for texts to mobiles.

Most likely it's Lycamobile number.

If Virgin charge for this number, this must be clearly said in their tariffs. If it's not the case, ask for a refund, then complain to Ofcom (a general complaint about unclear charging system) or to the ombudsman (personal complaint) if they refuse.

See these similar threads with other links inside:
Is this a Premium number
Premium Rate Mobile Telephone Numbers

chopps

Called them again and they now say it's a short code marketing number which I should send a text saying 'STOP ALL' to.
However, it has the full 11 digits and is indistinguishable from a normal network number. The message I received was not a generic PPI type of message either but more personalised.
Their T&C only state : Minutes are for UK landlines (beginning 01, 02, 03) & UK mobile networks. Texts are person-to-person within the UK

grumbler

chopps wrote: »

Called them again and they now say it's a short code marketing number which I should send a text saying 'STOP ALL' to.

If they charge you for sending SMS, not for receiving, then their advice makes no sense.

The message I received was not a generic PPI type of message either but more personalised.

They can't charge you for receiving SMS from a long number. However, in the first post you said: "Virgin Mobile charged a text message I sent to ...".

ETA: I recollect that Virgin have some weird system of showing in bills some longer version of the actual short number: Unexplained number on phone bill
However, IIRC they disguise the short numbers under 0700..., not 074... numbers.

chopps

Sorry for confusion. I advertised an item on a local website. Sold it the next day. Then received a text message from a different mobile number asking me if it was still for sale and offering a lower price, delivery etc.
I sent a short text message as a reply to state it was now sold. This was charged at the rate for sending a premium text message to what had appeared to be a standard mobile number (07472xxxxxx) but VM say is a marketing number. They agree that it would be impossible for customers to identify such numbers and only know it themselves from their billing system.

forgotmyname

Stupid idea that 070 and other 07# codes are not mobiles but expensive rate numbers.

Why are they not linked with 09 numbers instead?

All 0#00 numbers should be free.