Friday, Jun 16, 2006 at 14:28
Truckster,
Just received this warning in Q.
Fair Trading Minister Margaret Keech warns consumers to get up to speed and avoid being stung by the latest marketing scheme targeting mobile phones.
Mrs Keech said the Office of Fair Trading had received numerous complaints this week from consumers who found themselves left with big bills they did not expect after responding to calls.
"Consumers are being stung by huge phone bills and ongoing fees and charges simply because they don't understand what they are getting themselves into," she said.
"It all begins with a missed call to a mobile. When the consumer returns the call they are greeted with a recorded message, telling them they have won a gift, but to claim the gift they must ring a 190 number.
"When consumers ring the 190 number they are notified by message that they have signed up for a weekly ring tone promotion. What they may not be aware of is the potentially high costs associated with the calls, nor may they be aware about the nature of all terms and conditions they may face because they have responded.
"You should always check the cost and any terms and conditions of any premium service before you use it otherwise you may receive a massive shock when your bill arrives. You may even find yourself locked into something more, such as an ongoing subscription fee.
"Be wary about calls from numbers you don't recognise. It's your choice whether or not you call back.
"Mobile phone marketing is not illegal, although consumers need to be aware of the tactics unscrupulous marketers use to sign them up to these schemes."
Mrs Keech said consumers could consider taking the following steps to protect themselves:
·permanently barring calls to 190 phone numbers from your mobile; and
·being careful who you give your details to - particularly for things like competition entries as your details may be made available for marketing purposes.
"As in the case of land lines, consumers can also have their mobile phone number taken off marketing lists by adding their name to the 'Do Not Contact' database on the Australian Direct Marketing Association's (ADMA) website www.adma.com.au," she said.
"ADMA has also developed a Mobile Marketing Code of Practice to guide businesses using this direct marketing option.
"Conditions of the Code include not sending unsolicited or untargeted commercial messages and offering an opt-out option for consumers to stop receiving messages.
"Businesses and consumers can download the code from www.adma.com.au."
Mrs Keech said by law all marketers must remove you from their contact lists if requested.
"If you're fed up with marketers targeting your mobile, you have a number of options," she said.
"If you have requested your details be removed from a marketer's list but you are still being contacted, contact the Office of the Federal Privacy Commissioner on 1300 363 992 or visit www.privacy.gov.au.
"You can also make a complaint with the Australian Communications Authority. Call 1300 850 115 or visit www.aca.gov.au."
Mrs Keech said the Office of Fair Trading and other consumer protection agencies around Australia and New Zealand had been alerted to the mobile marketing scheme and were working together to raise the awareness amongst consumers.
For more consumer advice visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 13 04.
Cheers,
Bros.
AnswerID:
178795