0844 Numbers, Rules Please?

[Speck1965]

Hi,

I wonder if someone could clarify the rules on the use of 0844 numbers for calling customer services?

I thought the use of such numbers was outlawed in new rules that came about in June 2013 but I have been dealing with "Just Go Holidays" who tell me that the rules do not apply as tour operators are exempt.

Just so I don't go making a fool of myself could someone briefly outline the facts?

 

Many Thanks

[citizenB]

http://www.fairtelecoms.org.uk/consumer-contracts-regulations.html

 

 

 

Exemptions

 

 

The Consumer Contracts Regulations don’t apply to all types of company with the following being exempted:•financial services, including banks and insurance companies (now covered by an FCA rule from 26th October 2015)

 

•gambling

•construction, sale of immovable property and residential letting contracts

•package travel and timeshare

•roundsmen on a regular route

•purchases from vending machines

•single telecommunications connections such as public payphones and public Wi-Fi, including that provided in establishments such as cafés

 

 

 

http://www.soh.co.uk/will-your-08-numbers-be-against-the-law.aspx#.VjxVoJJFA5s

 

Does it apply to you?

 

 

If you're selling goods, services or digital content to consumers the changes apply to you.

 

Financial services companies are not affected by this change. But, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering whether it could introduce similar measures for customers calling banks, insurance companies and investment brokers.

 

Currently there's no requirement for package holiday and timeshare companies to make a change either.

 

Some technical helplines may be exempt as well. This is as long as they're not using lines that customers are also expected to call to discuss problems with something that they've already bought.

 

 

Sadly it looks as though they might be right.

 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/government-cuts-off-costly-calls

[citizenB]

There are apparently sites that can offer alternative numbers for some companies, although that is not without risk.

 

Or you could try the following.

 

You could also look on a company's website for numbers that are meant for people to use if they're calling from overseas. Believe it or not, some companies now block these numbers if you're calling them from a UK landline or mobile. Alternatively, you could call a company's sales line, if it's free (and let's face it, they generally are as they want our business), and ask to be transferred at their expense.

 

[Conniff]

But that link says;

 

 

 

“We want consumers to be confident to shop with a range of traders. The new rights announced today will mean consumers are entitled to

the same level of protection whether they are purchasing goods or services online, at home or in a shop.”

 

How can they differentiate, have they a vested interest or shares in holiday companies.

[Speck1965]

Thanks guys. Question answered.

Seems a bit daft that holiday companies are exempt, but it is what it is.

[Ethel Street]

 

Or you could try the following.

 

You could also look on a company's website for numbers that are meant for people to use if they're calling from overseas. Believe it or not, some companies now block these numbers if you're calling them from a UK landline or mobile.

 

 

Although presumably if you suppress your Caller ID they wouldn't know where you are calling from?