Warning over Mobile Content Sales in Australia

Australia's NSW Fair Trading Minister, Linda Burney, has issued a warning to mobile phone users and parents of teenagers with mobile phones, to be wary of hidden costs when signing up for ring tones and downloads. Ms Burney said that in the past 12 months, the Office of Fair Trading received more than 1,000 complaints about mobile phones and related service providers.

"While it's cool to have the latest hit song as your ring tone, it can come at a much higher cost than you anticipate," Ms Burney said "Among the complaints received by Fair Trading are stories of consumers trapped in contracts where they receive unwanted messages and downloads that can cost as much as A$6.60 each to receive and are being sent every few days.

"Tricks to lure consumers include the offer of free ring tones or downloads - these however are often tied to a costly subscription which is mentioned in the fine print.

"I urge anyone considering subscribing to one of these services to study the terms and conditions, particularly the length and minimum cost of the agreement, the cost and frequency of downloads, and process of cancelling the agreement.

"Be especially wary of any company that doesn't make their terms and conditions easily available either in their advertising or on their website."

Ms Burney said the Internet was also a good source of information on the tricks, traps and deals with mobile downloads including the experiences of other consumers in dealing with ringtone companies.

"Sadly, consumers who don't read all the terms and conditions are likely to find out the only thing they are really downloading is an ongoing bill," Ms Burney said.

Posted to the site on 7th November 2007