Home / News / (January 24th, 2005) – £20 per minute and £50 per minute ‘premium rate scam’ – Urban Myths.

(January 24th, 2005) – £20 per minute and £50 per minute ‘premium rate scam’ – Urban Myths.

Over the last few days, ICSTIS has received dozens of enquiries about the above ‘scams’, which are being widely publicised by e-mail. To help us put an end to the current spate of enquiries, please pass this information on to all contacts.[break]

(CORNWALL, UK) January 24th, 2005 – Over the last few days, ICSTIS has received dozens of enquiries about the above ‘scams’, which are being widely publicised by e-mail. To help us put an end to the current spate of enquiries, please pass this information on to all contacts.[break]

In the first case, the apparent ‘deception’ takes place when people receive a recorded message informing them that they have won an all-expenses paid holiday and are asked to press 9 to hear further details. It is then claimed that callers are connected to a £20.00 per minute premium rate line that will still charge them for a minimum of five minutes even if they disconnect immediately. It is also claimed that, if callers stay connected, the entire message costs £260.00.[break]

In the second case, the apparent ‘deception’ takes place when people receive a missed call from a number beginning 0709. It is then claimed that, if callers dial this number, they are connected to a £50.00 per minute premium rate line.[break]

Please note that these stories are NOT true![break]

£20.00 per minute and £50.00 per minute premium rate tariffs do not exist – the highest premium rate tariff available is £1.50 per minute. Despite the dozens of enquiries received by ICSTIS about these ‘scams’ (and most people appear to have heard about them second or third-hand), not one person who claims that it has actually happened to them has been able to produce a phone bill to support their story.[break]

ICSTIS urges any individual or organisation that receives an e-mail about these ‘scams’ to delete it immediately. Please do NOT forward it to others.[break]

Top
Translate »