We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum. This is to keep it a safe and useful space for MoneySaving discussions. Threads that are - or become - political in nature may be removed in line with the Forum’s rules. Thank you for your understanding.
We're aware that dates on the Forum are not currently showing correctly. Please bear with us while we get this fixed, and see Site feedback for updates.

Martin's appearance on Watchdog

Liked your bit on the prog last night, Martin, but could you not ask them, next time you're there, why, as a consumer 'watchdog', they insist on only giving out an 0870 number for contact?
Surely this helps to perpetrate the 'covert' premium line scam!
I say what I like, I like what I say!
«1

Comments

  • System
    System Posts: 178,227 Community Admin
    10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    I suppose they could give out an 0800 number.

    Providing you wish to pay even more for a TV licence!
    This is a system account and does not represent a real person. To contact the Forum Team email forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com
  • payless
    payless Posts: 6,957 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    whats wrong with an 01 / 02 number
    Any posts on here are for information and discussion purposes only and shouldn't be seen as (financial) advice.
  • It could be a carryover from the days when the national rate was much higher than local so the Beeb didn't want to appear too London-centric. At least 0870 gives the same (expensive) rate to everyone.

    Still maybe if you're earning a lot as a broadcaster it doesn't occur that the rest of us are being ripped off. Yep with a geographic code then even I might ring them via 18866.
    Nice to save.
  • derrick
    derrick Posts: 7,424 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    On the last series they did use an 02 number,but this series,as a supposed champion of the consumer,they like a lot of BBC radio/t.v programmes are using these rip off numbers. >:( >:(
    Don`t steal - the Government doesn`t like the competition


  • And, when you use the cheaper route ([email=watchdog@bbc.co.uk]e-mail[/email]) to complain, they can't even be bothered to reply.

    watchdog@bbc.co.uk
    30 years, 217 days!
  • Agreed, Heinz, I had tried that when I complained directly to them ( and also got no reply!) - just thought Martin might have a bit of extra 'clout' as he is one of the 'team' at BBC Watchdog.
    I say what I like, I like what I say!
  • DonnyDave
    DonnyDave Posts: 1,579 Forumite
    They don't say calls are charged at "national rate". They now say "Tariffs vary, please contact your operator for details" under the 0870 number on their Contact Us page.
  • They don't say calls are charged at "national rate". They now say "Tariffs vary, please contact your operator for details" under the 0870 number on their Contact Us page.
    Sorry, that's not the point.  

    They used to publish a standard geographical number (which'd cost most of us a total of 1p to call) and now they publish a Disguised Premium Rate 0870 number (which'll cost most of us at least 7p per minute to call.
    30 years, 217 days!
  • DonnyDave
    DonnyDave Posts: 1,579 Forumite
    Sorry, that's not the point.

    They used to publish a standard geographical number (which'd cost most of us a total of 1p to call) and now they publish a Disguised Premium Rate 0870 number (which'll cost most of us at least 7p per minute to call.
    Well I'm sorry!

    The point I was making was that they have apparently recognised that "national rate" does not mean what people think it means.

    I do not believe in my previous post I condoned the use of the 0870 covert PRNs.
  • gt94sss2
    gt94sss2 Posts: 5,959 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    The BBC has a long term agreement with their telco provider to use 0870 numbers in these situations.

    They don't get an revenue for using 0870 numbers but it helps them offset the cost of providing other contact numbers (including the 0800 ones they have)

    Regards
    Sunil
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 348.4K Banking & Borrowing
  • 252.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 452.4K Spending & Discounts
  • 241K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 617.3K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 175.7K Life & Family
  • 254.1K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16K Discuss & Feedback
  • 15.1K Coronavirus Support Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.