070 premium rate calls

[Wrangler]

This topic may have been dealt with before but I believe people should be made more aware of it.
I purchased a car through the Piston Head web site, the contact number for the vendor was a 070 number which I took to be his mobile because it did go through to his mobile.
On receiving my phone bill I had been charged £39 for the 4 calls I made to this gentleman. It was a premium rate number.
On contacting this gentleman he knew nothing about a premium number.
I can only blame Piston Heads for this scam - please let me know how you feel about this con

[LordGrover]

You're not alone. Unfortunately, Haymarket absolves itself of blame as if you click a link near to the phonesafe number there is a warning. Most think that's not enough but it allows HM to do it.

See here: click - started six years ago.

[Ollie_M]

The objective of the optional Phonesafe is to stop the private seller being pestered by canvassers and automated call and texting companies, enabling the calls to be genuine buyers, as well as helping sellers keep their own phone numbers private.

When you view a private car for sale where the seller has chosen to use PhoneSafe, there is a PhoneSafe logo and link to explain the service.

The link
http://www.pistonheads.com/phonesafe.asp

However, the telecom market is developing and we are reviewing new alternatives over the coming weeks so we'll keep you posted as we look into new systems.

[Wrangler]

Bloody hell, I did not realise it had been going on for so long and so many pissed off piston heads.
Come on PH sort it out.

Edited by Wrangler on Wednesday 25th November 19:58

[Ollie_M]

Talks are underway with potential new providers for this service. This won't be an overnight transition as we do need to ensure though that they can provide the same functionality.
I'll check to see where we are and come back to you.