Has anyone used confused.com recently and started getting cold calls?

[finlay666]

And following it received calls from 800 numbers? (not 0800 but starting 800)

I did a quote check a while ago and was getting inundated with calls from them, then started receiving a load of calls from these numbers, I answered 2 because my phone was almost constantly ringing, and got charged to the tune of £12 for my trouble.

As far as legal stands, I know for certain I did not consent to other companies getting my contact details, and it says on their site that they don't pass them out, yet there are other sites where people are getting the same after using the site.... but what else can I do?

So far I have just written them a letter expressing my anger at what has happened and that I am looking to recoup the charges I have received through them, and will likely be contacting the relevant ombudsman and more than likely the DPC in the UK aswell as Watchdog

[Saracen]

When you say you "answered" two calls, do you mean you dialled some number you were given back, or just picked up the incoming call and were charged for it? If the latter, then I'm astonished you can be charged for receiving an incoming call, and were it me, it'd certainly generate an enquiry to my service provider and a complaint to OfCom.

As for getting cold calls from details given to confused.com, they've admitted it happened, but is was, they say, a breach of their contracts.

See The Times

This, however, is why I don't give out my phone number lightly. I never give out my home phone number like this, and only very, very rarely will supply even a mobile number, and only ever to companies I know and trust. If a web form won't complete without a phone number, it'll either get a made up one (like 01234 123456) or I'll simply find another company and ditch that form altogether.

[MadduckUK]

no.. but then again there is nothing but a router plugged into my home phoneline so who knows

[finlay666]

When you say you "answered" two calls, do you mean you dialled some number you were given back, or just picked up the incoming call and were charged for it? If the latter, then I'm astonished you can be charged for receiving an incoming call, and were it me, it'd certainly generate an enquiry to my service provider and a complaint to OfCom.

As for getting cold calls from details given to confused.com, they've admitted it happened, but is was, they say, a breach of their contracts.

See The Times

This, however, is why I don't give out my phone number lightly. I never give out my home phone number like this, and only very, very rarely will supply even a mobile number, and only ever to companies I know and trust. If a web form won't complete without a phone number, it'll either get a made up one (like 01234 123456) or I'll simply find another company and ditch that form altogether.

Well I meant called back to find out who it was, getting calls all through the day is really irritating.

I VERY rarely give out my details, but felt it was safe to do so.

Surely I would be inline for some compensation due to this happening?

[MadduckUK]

have you googled any of these numbers? which co's are calling?

[finlay666]

have you googled any of these numbers? which co's are calling?

http://whocallsme.com/Phone-Number.aspx/8007836414

That is one of them, there are quite a few, I only called back a couple thinking they were local rate calls (I generally pay standard price for 0800 on my mobile)

Thing is I wouldn't have called them for 30 minutes like they seem to think I have, does a call charge last untill they put the phone down if I initiated it?

[mediaboy]

From what I understand of phone systems, if you initiate the call, until they put the phone down, the call is being billed to your phone.

[TAKTAK]

we used confused a few months back and started getting silent calls.... i.e. you answer the phone and theres just silence.. so i 1471ed it, googled the number, and it came up with morethan so i told royal sun alliance to put us on their mandatory do not call list.... havn't had any problems since... although i did find out that they class it as marketing...

[j1979]

And following it received calls from 800 numbers? (not 0800 but starting 800)

I did a quote check a while ago and was getting inundated with calls from them, then started receiving a load of calls from these numbers, I answered 2 because my phone was almost constantly ringing, and got charged to the tune of £12 for my trouble.

As far as legal stands, I know for certain I did not consent to other companies getting my contact details, and it says on their site that they don't pass them out, yet there are other sites where people are getting the same after using the site.... but what else can I do?

So far I have just written them a letter expressing my anger at what has happened and that I am looking to recoup the charges I have received through them, and will likely be contacting the relevant ombudsman and more than likely the DPC in the UK aswell as Watchdog

Hiya bud,


1. reg with TPS (telephone preference service) its free and makes it illegal for marketing calls to be made to your phone. it will only cover UK companies tho, so if your getting calls from overseas it wont help http://www.tpsonline.org.uk/tps/

2. Reg with SilentCall-Gard this is to stop automatic dialers, and again is free service.
for more info on this you need to call 0800 0831 138
reg here http://www.ukdatait.co.uk/cgi-bin/sgAddNumber.cgi

3. call NCB for a free number change 0800 953 3333, i cant talk for BT.

as for complaining that you've been charged your phone company aint at fault here so you will need to take it up with icstis

http://www.icstis.org.uk/

complain about the number on this form (although the number may not be regulated by them)
http://www.phonepayplus.org.uk/consu...Num=8007836414

you can also input any prem rate number in there number checker for more info about which company owns the number.

also Ofcom might be albe to help, but im not too sure about that.

hope this helps.

edit: it does sound like an Autodialer so SilentCall-Gard is prob your best bet but no harm in reg with TPS and reading icstis site.

[finlay666]

Thanks for that J1979, some really useful info there

I never said the phone company was at fault, IMO it's the company calling me at fault.

[finlay666]

Well I got a reply to them (have not replied yet)

Dear Customer


Please read our terms and conditions regarding this issue. The company that provided the top price may contact you. However, this would be within a day or two of your quotation. You will not be plagued by nuisance e-mails or calls from any other source resulting from entering details on our website. Confused.com do not sell any leads to third parties.

Every time you submit a quotation, the top provider is allowed to phone you. Having checked the database, it seems as though you have received multiple quotations this year.

Kind Regards,

XXXXXXXX

Interesting, the only info they have is my postcode, date of birth and possibly name, yet for a DIFFERENT email I used to contact them with they could look at my browsing records.....

Any suggestions for a reply, I have no idea how would be best to word it as the companies they have given my details with permission to contact me (no opt out on their site)

and j1979...it's a mobile number on o2....and come to think of it I made sure I used www.saynoto0870.com to get the geographical numbers to call the companies on my mobile

[j1979]

Thanks for that J1979, some really useful info there

I never said the phone company was at fault, IMO it's the company calling me at fault.

your welcome

yep i know you wernt saying its the phone companies fault, i was just kind of pre-empting any concerns you might have about charges, and that the phone company will prob not be able to help.

[finlay666]

your welcome

yep i know you wernt saying its the phone companies fault, i was just kind of pre-empting any concerns you might have about charges, and that the phone company will prob not be able to help.

Ah ok then

[Clunk]

have you googled any of these numbers? which co's are calling?

They were all phoneys.

[finlay666]

Well I fired off a thingymajig to watchdog, hopefully they will be interested in it.