H. Navaneeth (Case reference: 01276)
| Case Number | 01276 |
| Year | 2009 |
| Published date | 22 January 2009 |
| Adjudicated Party | H. Navaneeth |
| Procedure Type | Emergency Procedure (Phone-Paid Services Authority) |
THE CODE COMPLIANCE PANEL OF PHONEPAYPLUS
TRIBUNAL DECISION
Thursday 8 January 2008 TRIBUNAL SITTING No. 18 / CASE 6
CASE REFERENCE: 777081/JI
Service provider & area: H. Navaneeth, Mizoram, India
Information provider & area: N/A
Type of service: Fixed Line
Service title: Unknown (promoted through missed calls)
Service number: 7033309001, 7033311785, 7033313952,
7033315806, 7033316359, 7033318310,
7033318424, 7033319124, 7033319984
7033320405, 7033321140, 7033321583
7033323436, 7033327523, 7033328338
7033310304, 7033302373, 7033310306
7033391850, 7033302658, 7033303777
7033341363
Cost: 50 pence per call plus 3.95 pence per minute from
a standard BT landline
Network operator: Cheers International Sales Limited
Number of complainants: 15
BACKGROUND
The PhonepayPlus Executive (“the Executive”) received 15 consumer complaints
regarding the receipt of unsolicited calls to personal landlines or mobiles from one or
more 070 prefixed numbers. The complainants were consistent in claiming that the call
they received terminated after one ring. This prompted consumers to return the call
whilst being unaware that the number was not a mobile number and would incur higher
rate charges. The vast majority of complainants who returned the call indicated that they
were connected to a recording of a ringing tone, an engaged tone, or a voicemail
messaging facility.
Ofcom has designated 070 numbers for use only as personal ‘follow me’ numbers, which
are charged at a higher rate. Ofcom does not allow end-user revenue share on 070
numbers. This service charged users 50 pence per call plus 3.95 pence per minute from
a standard BT landline, and appeared to charge consumers from the commencement of
the ringing tone.
The Executive was concerned that the complainants were experiencing a modified
version of what is commonly known as ‘wangiri’, a well known trend for misuse of
premium rate and personal numbers, involving a computer using hundreds of phone
lines to randomly dial mobile phone numbers. After one ring, the call disconnects, which
leaves the number stored in the receiving parties’ mobile phone. If the call is returned,
the caller is usually charged at premium rate for connection.
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