In this article, we explain the types and uses of premium rate numbers. We also delve into some of the negative aspects of these numbers and talk about pricing information. Premium rate numbers are telephone numbers used for certain services. As the name suggests, the rate charged for such calls is higher than the normal numbers. The overall concept and the technology used to create these numbers is the same as for toll-free telephone numbers. This means the number remains the same regardless of the area code.
These numbers have a controlling body, which regulates both the content of the service as well as the price charged for availing the service. The one in the United Kingdom is called ICSTIS (Independent Committee for the supervision Standards of Telephone Information Services).
The most common use for these services is technical support for computer hardware and software. Other uses include weather forecasts, news, directory inquiries, competitions and voting related to television shows. Also part of this premium rate number network are adult chat lines.
The telephone numbering plan provides premium rate numbers, which are quite different from normal telephone numbers. The 900 number service bureau assists service providers who offer 900 number programs. This bureau approves the 900 number programs, plus operates the technology and the equipment to process these 900 number calls.
There is some fraud and misuse of this 900-number service by Internet thieves. Prompting internet users to download a dialer is very common. This dialer is used to call a premium rate number, which then incurs charges on the users' telephone bill without their knowledge. The revenue generated is subsequently shared between the service provide and the telephone company.
Countries in every part of the world use premium rate numbers. Most of them have their own individual regulator and controller. Depending on the availability of the number and the country, most numbers begin with 80 or 90.
Receiving kickbacks from the high-rate international call tariffs is another common scheme used by service providers. In most of these cases although the number has a dialing code unique to that country, the calls do not leave a country of origin "signature". Hence these types of numbers baffle international jurisdiction.
The cost of premium rate numbers varies considerably. Calculated on a per-minute basis, rates range from as little as few cents and to more than a dollar. If a customer makes a call to a 976 number in the United States, it will have a very high call rate. Rates can be as high as $2.99 for the first minute and 99 cents for each additional minute. When they unknowingly call these numbers, teenagers and kids can rack up huge bills for their parents. To prevent these unauthorized calls, the phone companies now offer a 'premium rate number' barring service.
Aside from just a few negative aspects, premium rate numbers offer a useful, efficient way to charge for information and services.
This article describes some prevalent Premium Rate Scams. We illustrate the common techniques used by scamsters, and attempt to make people aware of various problems. The first example we address is the issue of missed calls on your mobile phone. There may be something suspicious going on if you receive a missed call from someone at an unknown number beginning with a 0709 prefix.
This scam is simple but effective, and you can easily be taken. The scammers dial in a number but just for a fraction of a minute, and anticipate that you will call back. The game begins here; they are going to use the number to defraud your telephone bill. When you call in, the cash register immediately starts to ring. What happens is this: you are dialing into a premium rate number and being charged for a call that you did not intend to make.
People have exaggerated rates, claiming that for a scam call a person can be charged 50 per minute. The agency that regulates Premium Rate Number services, the ICSTIS, clearly states that the charge for a premium rate number cannot be greater than 1.50 per minute.
The point is, even if you are not losing a large amount, you are definitely losing money and the scamsters are taking in a windfall. You can easily save yourself from getting duped by using a little common sense. The remedy is simple. When you receive a missed call from a 0709 number and you are not sure who it is, it is best not to call back.
If you feel that the call may be from a business associate, call up but the first instance you feel that the person on the other end is trying to take you for a ride hang up immediately. These kind of scams die a quick death because the authorities take stern action or people become aware of them.
Another scam happened in Luton in the United Kingdom. It is even more shocking. Typically a well-dressed distressed lady knocks on your door. She asks for help. She explains that her car has broken down and that she needs to call her husband. Being a Good Samaritan, you decide to help her out. You hand her your phone. She makes the call. The call however is definitely not to her husband but an Interactive Voice Recording system.
The lady in actuality has used your phone to call a prime rate number. She will make money from the call. But until you receive your bill, you will not realize that you have been duped. People have exaggerated the amount you can be billed. Rumor mills put the figure at 50 per minute. But ICSTIS by law puts the limit at 1.50 per minute.
Scams like these are common in the UK. Take care not to fall into the hands of one of these scamsters.