Beware - Pre paid calling card scam

dobie_2

My partner was given a pre paid calling card in Watford high street, and assuming it was some sort of promotion, called the number on the card thinking he could phone his friends for free. But when i checked the phone bill, there was a call lasting 15 seconds which was the number on the card, and it cost over £20 before VAT. I did some research on the internet and found out it happened to someone else in Russel Square. These cards are often found lying about on trains and buses too. The number on the card was a premium rate number. You can check any suspicious numbers on this site http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/numberchecker/DisplayServiceDetails.asp. So if you are handed out one of these cards, or find one lying about anywhere, please check it first or you might end up with a very large phone bill.

maninthestreet

Premium rate numbers are charged at the rate of £1.50 per minute, maximum. Whatever number you partner called, it was not a premium rate number.

JohalaReewi

At £20 for 15 seconds it would be a bit more than a premium rate number (they are max £1.50 a minute). Was it an international premium number or did you phone from a mobile?

vikingaero

I think most of these calling cards work by you calling the premium rate number to activate the card at £15, £20 or whatever and then you get access to a bundle of minutes to call abroad.

Markyt

Spma promoting the site in the link, maybe?