Signing up for call1899/18866/18185

Heinz

Imnoexpert wrote: »

I have just signed up for this before reading the thread and wish I hadn't.

I also didn't notice the 4p a call connection fee.

I put in my credit card number without thinking, or realising it was a mistake and I should have used a debit card.

What to do?

It's 5p connection except for overseas calls.

Martin recommends not using credit or debit cards for such recurring transactions (because, unlike direct debts, you have no control over what is taken).

Having said that. there's no history of this firm making incorrect calls so I wouldn't worry.

willgrf

I have been with 18866 for a few years. Recently had a BT phone bill which was £13 higher than normal and as I dont use the BT line it was easier to recognise. I found there were some charges for 73 phone calls to 01608 886601, 602, and 608. BT tell me this must be to do with the 18866 although I would like to hope not. Each call works out to be 13p or 19p each depending on the times called. This number does not exist if you call it! Does anyone else notice this on their BT bill? Mine goes back for 2 years but are for smaller amounts! I've stopped using 18866 now and will monitor the bills from now. Not happy!

Heinz

Change to 18185. In most cases, their rates are better anyway.

aerostar

willgrf wrote: »

I have been with 18866 for a few years. Recently had a BT phone bill which was £13 higher than normal and as I dont use the BT line it was easier to recognise. I found there were some charges for 73 phone calls to 01608 886601, 602, and 608. BT tell me this must be to do with the 18866 although I would like to hope not. Each call works out to be 13p or 19p each depending on the times called. This number does not exist if you call it! Does anyone else notice this on their BT bill? Mine goes back for 2 years but are for smaller amounts! I've stopped using 18866 now and will monitor the bills from now. Not happy!

I do not see how BT say it is something to do with 18866, as if it is on a BT bill then those numbers cannot have come from 18866, as they charge you direct, not via the BT bill. Also as you say the numbers do not exist, I would take it back up with BT, how can you be charged with calling a number that is not in service ?

The exchange 01608 886xxx seems to be
Chipping Norton, Shipston-on-Stour, Moreton-in-Marsh

Minerva69

My other half is in hospital at the moment and I'm making a lot of calls during the day, I'm with BT so it's quite expensive. I was planning to sign up to 18185 but please could someone answer some questions I have (I don't have time at the moment to read all this thread)?

Is it best to sign up with them via direct debit rather than debit card? Is this safe?

Is it easy to leave the service if I decide not to use it anymore?

Do they pass on your phone number to anyone else? (I'm ex-directory and registered with TPS so don't want any nuisance calls).

Thanks very much

10_66

Minerva69 wrote: »

My other half is in hospital at the moment and I'm making a lot of calls during the day, I'm with BT so it's quite expensive. I was planning to sign up to 18185 but please could someone answer some questions I have (I don't have time at the moment to read all this thread)?

Is it best to sign up with them via direct debit rather than debit card? Is this safe?

Yes, best to do DD.

Minerva69 wrote: »

Is it easy to leave the service if I decide not to use it anymore?

I haven't left them, but I can't see why it would be hard to leave them, you just wouldn't use the service

Minerva69 wrote: »

Do they pass on your phone number to anyone else? (I'm ex-directory and registered with TPS so don't want any nuisance calls)...

Not in my experience.

Heinz

Minerva69 wrote: »

Is it best to sign up with them via direct debit rather than debit card? Is this safe?

Martin has been warning about the latter for 7 years.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/256

Blue_Max

With connection charges and others they don't tell you about these 1899/18866/18185 services are expensive compared to other alternatives.
I use VoIP service providers. With many, you don't even need a VoIP phone. They use a call back service. Calls to UK landlines and many other European and American destinations come free during the 'free days' you get after a top up.

If you have a mobile phone chek out pay as you go service by ICard Mobile at icardmobile.co.uk
1p per min to landlines and 5p per min to mobiles.
No strings attached.

billsavings

Blue_Max wrote: »

With connection charges and others they don't tell you about these 1899/18866/18185 services are expensive compared to other alternatives.
I use VoIP service providers. With many, you don't even need a VoIP phone. They use a call back service. Calls to UK landlines and many other European and American destinations come free during the 'free days' you get after a top up.

If you have a mobile phone chek out pay as you go service by ICard Mobile at icardmobile.co.uk
1p per min to landlines and 5p per min to mobiles.
No strings attached.

So 5p per call to a UK destination is expensive your having a larf.

How can the free days on Voip be free if you have to buy a top up.

The promotional rates you quote for icardmobi are only valid to late April.

Blue_Max

looks like there are few mis-understandings here

billsavings wrote: »

So 5p per call to a UK destination is expensive your having a larf.

I don't think 5p on a mobile to a UK destination is expensive. Icardmobil is the cheapest I found so far.

billsavings wrote: »

How can the free days on Voip be free if you have to buy a top up.

Topup you buy is for calling certain foreign countries only. When you do that you get free days to make free calls to UK, Europe, America, HK and many others.
BTW. during these 'free days' when you are abroad you can make free calls to UK.
I am currently with Rynga.com one of the many in the Betamax Group. Had over 240 free days accumulated last November.
I was in India for 4 months and from there, I made many free calls to UK, France, US, Canada and Hong Kong.

billsavings wrote: »

The promotional rates you quote for icardmobi are only valid to late April.

Didn't know that. Thanks. Will have another look at their URL.