Crazy Frog company admits to overcharging

A RING tone company promoting the chart-topping Crazy Frog tune has admitted to heavily overcharging Irish mobile phone users - including children under 16.

The ‘crazy prices’ warning came from the Director of Consumer Affairs Carmel Foley, who disclosed her office was among those overcharged 100% by Jamster, one of the internet companies operating a premier rate charge service.

The Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs (ODCA) joined the Jamster Polyphonic Ringtone club following a number of public complaints.

In an investigation into mobile ring tones still continuing, Ms Foley said the ODCA received complaints about overcharging and the “stop” message not ceasing subscriptions.

To date, the investigation has resulted in Jamster agreeing to make refunds to Irish consumers who have been overcharged.

Ms Foley said many mobile customers are unaware that when buying a ring tone, they are often agreeing to a long-term subscription costing a minimum of €4 per week.

In a related issue, Fianna Fáil’s John McGuinness last night demanded a crackdown on “rogue” companies operating premier rate phone charges for services, such as the offer of money and holiday prizes.

A member of the Dáil Finance and Public Services Committee, the TD said there was a need to freeze by at least 30 days the flow of money to such firms.

A 30-day payments’ delay, he said, would provide time for the regulator Comreg to uncover rogue operators and withhold charges where necessary.

“We must crack down on fly-by-night operators who set up premium-rate line services, only to disappear days later before the regulator has a chance to investigate complaints,” he said.