New rules tackle mobile internet scam

TELECOMS watchdogs have had to bring in new rules to stop mobile phone users from falling victim to a growing type of internet scam.

Cheats are billing unsuspecting customers with hidden charges for accessing internet pages through a new type of mobile called a WAP phone.

RegTel, which regulates premium rate services in Ireland, unveiled new guidelines to stop cheats making money from hidden charges.

In future, anyone providing “premium rate” services via mobile phone-based internet in Ireland will have to be explicit about charges and tell consumers they will be charged for accessing certain pages.

Operators will also have to abide by RegTel’s code of practice, which already applies to firms offering traditional “premium rate” mobile phone services like ringtones, adult calls as well as voting for contestants on television shows.

“WAP services have been about for two to three months and we’ve already had some complaints over unexpected charges,” said RegTel regulator Pat Breen.

“So we’ve drawn up these guidelines for operators so we can preempt any further problems,” he said.

Mobile owners using their phone to look up internet information have complained to RegTel about unexpected bills for looking at certain pages.

An industry insider admits some companies are guilty of “sharp practices” that have left unsuspecting consumers with big bills for services they did not sign up for.

Under the new guidelines, WAP premium rate service operators will have to tell users about the costs, issue reminders on how much they have spent and tell them how they can cancel any subscriptions.

Last night the Consumers’ Association of Ireland (CAI) poured cold water on RegTel’s plans to clamp down on WAP cheats.

“Some of the people behind premium rate services are not bothered about codes of practice,” said CAI chairman Michael Kilcoyne.