Billing nightmare is there any recourse?

mobilejunkie

wondermouse wrote: »

Exactly. There is nothing to indicate that the put you through service would be charged at the same rate.

One thing that's come out of my research so far is that 118118 run a cheaper alternative service charged at just 50p per call.

It's 118811 but strangely there's almost no publicity about this service. I wonder why...

Yawn. Several different organisations provide a chargeable service using 118 numbers - just like 0870/1 etc. With 118 numbers the charges different organisations make can vary. It's been like that for years. Anyone calling ANY unusual number should check first or expect a nasty surprise. I always check if it looks strange and I've never been stung.

wondermouse

mobilejunkie wrote: »

Anyone calling ANY unusual number should check first or expect a nasty surprise. I always check if it looks strange and I've never been stung.

Keep taking the smug pills, I think they're having the desired effect. :rotfl:

I appreciate that if you're reading this forum you are probably already a bit smart about money. I'm trying to help someone who clearly isn't (or wasn't) and to say "well you shouldn't have done that in the first place" is not the most helpful advice to give.

I've done that bit already. To say "well she shouldn't have been so bloody stupid" is a given. I'm trying to see if there's anything, any hope at all, of making this disaster less erm disastrous.

DevCoder

Unfortunately not, its an expensive lesson.

mobilejunkie

wondermouse wrote: »

Keep taking the smug pills, I think they're having the desired effect. :rotfl:

I appreciate that if you're reading this forum you are probably already a bit smart about money. I'm trying to help someone who clearly isn't (or wasn't) and to say "well you shouldn't have done that in the first place" is not the most helpful advice to give.

I've done that bit already. To say "well she shouldn't have been so bloody stupid" is a given. I'm trying to see if there's anything, any hope at all, of making this disaster less erm disastrous.

Actually, I contribute and don't just read. Maybe if she read she wouldn't be in this situation.

wondermouse

mobilejunkie wrote: »

Maybe if she read she wouldn't be in this situation.

And if we had some ham we could have ham and eggs... if we had some eggs.

I honestly appreciate the helpful advice that's given on the MSE forums, but I'm not quite sure what to do with yours. If only I had a Tardis, or a more sensible friend, it might be handy.

Still, thanks for your interest nonetheless. Off to break the bad news...

mobilejunkie

Can't she read then? Shame. Good job she has a sensible friend like you to do it for her after the event.

Collabora

The fact is when you sign a contract or even look online it will give you a breakdown of all call charges outside your contract

this is Oranges

Charges outside of your allowances

Usage rates Cost
Voicemail 40p per min
Call Anytime any network 40p per min
Call anytime Same network 40p per min
Anytime to landlines 40p per min
UK picture message (MMS) 40p each
SMS Anytime any network 15p per message

Herongull

If she used the BT directory inquiries service 118 500, she can claim a full refund see:

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/bills/article-2551432/Callers-BTs-118-500-directory-enquiries-claim-refund.html

May be worth finding out if this is also try for 118 118.

Even if 118 118 haven't been fined and ordered to pay refunds as BT has, it will be aware of what happened to BT, and if she makes a formal complaint, they may be prepared to refund as a "good will gesture" (ie in order to reduce complaints to the regulator which may trigger action against them).

The regulators are aware that vulnerable people, particularly the elderly are being ripped off outrageously and are about to bring in new rules.

See: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2508190/Mobile-phone-users-charged-5-minute-directory-enquiries.html