7 Top Tips for Protecting Yourself

Don’t panic – the vast majority of premium rate services are run responsibly and don’t cause problems. However, we want to know about problems so we can stamp them out quickly.

We also want you be vigilant – follow our 7 simple tips to stop you becoming a victim:

1) Know how to recognise a premium rate service. Most are advertised on ‘09’ numbers. Mobile services (such as ringtones and text alerts) will be on four or five-digit ‘short code’ numbers.

2) Always read the terms and conditions in any advert. Once you’ve seen how a service works and what it will cost, then make up your mind about taking part.

3) Be wary of free offers or fabulous prizes. If something looks ‘too good to be true’, it probably will be!

4) Never respond to unsolicited adverts! – legitimate companies don’t promote their services this way.

5) If you’re signed up to a subscription service on your mobile but want to quit, simply send the word ‘STOP’ to the service number.

6) Keep an eye on your phone bill – talk to the service company if there are charges you don’t recognise. If you want to prevent premium rate calls being made from your phone or computer, speak to your phone company about their ‘call barring’ options.

7) Share these tips with your children and anyone else who uses your phone or computer.