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CSN WarningsFAX (and TELEPHONE) PREFERENCE SERVICE SCAM Trading Standards warn businesses of latest marketing scam being used to induce them into paying £1.50 a minute for services which are available free. Businesses with faxes are accustomed to getting unwanted messages offering everything they could possibly imagine. In order to stop unwanted junk mail enterprising marketing companies are offering to get businesses taken off databases for a fee. The latest version is offering to register the businesses fax numbers with the Fax Preference Service in return for faxing back the details on a premium rate number charging £1.50 per minute. The marketing uses the FPS logo without approval and will no doubt simply pass on the telephone numbers automatically to the FPS which does not charge a fee while retaining the not inconsiderable revenue they generate. By registering with the Telephone and Fax Preference services businesses now have the same rights as consumers to block unsolicited marketing or fundraising calls using the telecommunications network. Until registered business should be aware that they will be susceptible to unwanted fax and telephone marketing calls which at best are an irritation and at worst are a way of extracting money out of businesses by directing their replies via premium rate telephone services which can cost £1.50 a minute. Details of how to register are available free online at http://www.fpsonline.org.uk for faxes and http://www.tpsonline.org.uk for telephone. Alternatively, phone 0845 070 0702 for faxes and 0845 070 0707 for telephones. 28 days after being registered with the FPS or TPS the sending of unsolicited fax or telephone marketing is illegal and complaint can be made to either the Fax or Telephone Preference Services who collate the information or direct to the Office of The Information Commissioner who has responsibility for any regulatory action. Related Addresses: Information Commissioner's Office Links to other Scam related sites
Lancashire County Council Trading Standards,
58-60 Guildhall Street, Preston, Lancashire PR1 3NU. Web design: itsa Ltd |
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