Fair Trading Minister Linda Burney today warned mobile phone users to be wary of unsolicited mobile phone calls and text messages as scammers use more creative ways to lure money from consumers, especially young people.

Ms Burney said in the past 11 months the Office of Fair Trading received 500 complaints relating to telecommunications providers.

“A new scam involves consumers receiving an unsolicited phone call or text message saying if they answer the simple trivia question they will win a prize,” Ms Burney said.

“You then have to press a number. This number takes you to a premium phone number where you pay a very high call rate, maybe as much as $5 per minute.

“What’s worse, by responding, you may have unintentionally signed up to a service you don’t want and the only way to unsubscribe may be to change your phone number.

“I am concerned these scammers are increasingly targeting young people, who don’t have the confidence or insight to question what looks like a free offer.”

Fair Trading receives regular complaints from parents frustrated by ‘faceless’ companies emptying their children’s prepaid mobile phone accounts.

“Advertising pop-ups on kids’ websites stating “congratulations you have won a free ring tone” or encouraging kids to ‘click here’ to receive their free ring tone are examples of tricks used to lure children into disclosing their mobile phone numbers. 

“In most cases, it is difficult to unsubscribe to these ring tones and downloads without incurring further costs. Many parents simply pay to change their phone numbers to stop these companies from ripping them off. 

“I urge parents to warn their children against replying to offers received on their mobile phones or clicking on any website pop-ups offers. 

“Make sure you have all the information you need before providing your child’s mobile phone number to any service providers – how much the service will cost, how you can stop the service and who you can contact for assistance.”

If you think you have been a victim of a mobile phone scam, contact the Office of Fair Trading on 13 32 20.

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