TEN WAYS TO SAFEGUARD YOURSELF FROM HIGH TECH CRIMINALS

1 BE wise to what you click on when browsing the internet and do not give a mobile number away freely. 2 CHECK mobile phone bills regularly and inspect the finer detail in case small but regular charges have been added, which you were not expecting. 3 USE the ‘service checker’ of regulator Phone-paid Services Authority to find out which company is behind the number sending you costly messages. For more information isit psauthority.org.uk. 4 TEXT the word ‘STOP’ to the short code number supplied, but only if the regulator’s service checker shows it to be from a real company. If you think the text might be an outright scam, do not reply. 5 CONTACT the company responsible and demand a refund if you neither wanted nor expected the texts.

6 NOTIFY your mobile network provider and demand it blocks the number from sending any further communication. If the company behind the texts refuses a refund ask the network to pay.

7 BAN all third-party billings on your mobile phone. Mobile providers can apply the bar on phones to stop premium rate services. But be aware this will prevent premium rate services you might appreciate – such as charitable donations via text.

8 REPORT companies sending illegal rip-off texts to the regulator at psauthority.org.uk. It has the power to investigate, fine and demand refunds from companies in breach of the rules. 9 FORWARD spam texts – which do not charge but are a nuisance – to your mobile provider using the number 7726. All operators use this number, which spells out ‘spam’ on your phone’s keypad. You can also report the messages to the Information Commissioner’s Office at ico.org.uk.

10 HAVE your say and help shape future regulation. Contribute to the Phonepaid Services Authority’s consultation on phonepaid subscriptions. Visit the ‘consultations’ section of the regulator’s website. There are five questions to answer and the closing date for input is October 15.