MSE News: Second 'opt out of cold calls' text service is launched

MSE_Luke
MSE_Luke Posts: 295 MSE Staff
Fourth Anniversary
Mobile phone users can now dodge irritating cold calls for free by texting the number '85095'...
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'Second 'opt out of cold calls' text service is launched – but this time it's free'
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Comments

  • Frozen_up_north
    Frozen_up_north Posts: 2,633 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    I've just texted TPS using the new number, no charge from 3

    Thanks for posting the update.
  • Just to advise that when I used this new, and allegedly free, number for mobile TPS, my EE service had a screen-pop to say that I would be charged for using this. I await my next bill to see if this has been applied.
  • Ian011
    Ian011 Posts: 2,432 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    What a complete shambles!

    It turns out that sending a text message to 78070 isn’t ‘free’ after all. It actually costs ‘one standard rate message’. This can be anywhere up to about 20p depending on which network is used.

    The message isn’t inclusive in allowances either. Inclusive allowances include text messages sent to normal landline numbers starting 01 or 02 and normal mobile numbers starting 071-075 or 077-079. Inclusive allowances never include text messages sent to five digit mobile shortcodes.

    A week after the original launch, a new number has been set up. The new number is 85095. This one is supposedly truly free on all mobile networks. Time will tell if this really is the case.

    Some mobile phones display an on-screen pop-up message whenever you send a text message to any mobile shortcode number. The message warns that you will be charged. Technically, it should say that you 'may' be charged because some numbers are completely free, but this is quite rare.
  • boatman
    boatman Posts: 4,700 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    This new number worked on iD Mobile(uses 3), the last one didn't.
  • Cindy12
    Cindy12 Posts: 25 Forumite
    Trust EE to charge you would think they have enough money.........
  • Ian011
    Ian011 Posts: 2,432 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    Are you saying that EE charged for a message sent to 85095?

    Or was this for a message sent to the old 78070 number?
  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 9,925 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    85095 - I dont even get the chance to 'maybe' get charged...the text just fails. Tried 4 times now. Any ideas??
    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 2.56% of current retirement "pot" (as at end January 2025)
  • Ian011
    Ian011 Posts: 2,432 Forumite
    Fifth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    You didn't say which provider you used. Some block messages to mobile shortcodes.
  • Sea_Shell
    Sea_Shell Posts: 9,925 Forumite
    Tenth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Asda. Guess that could be the reason then. Cheers.
    How's it going, AKA, Nutwatch? - 12 month spends to date = 2.56% of current retirement "pot" (as at end January 2025)
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