29 Mar 2009

Commission warning on texting subscription services

11:43 am on 29 March 2009

Consumers are being warned to scrutinise the fine print on texting subscription services after a string of complaints to the Commerce Commission.

The commission says people have answered an online quiz and provided their cellphone number without noticing that the terms and conditions commit them to a paid subscription.

The commission's director of fair trading, Adrian Sparrow, says those people have felt misled by websites promising to assess their IQ or love compatibility, then sending them unwanted texts.

Mr Sparrow says the activity is legal because the information is clearly displayed on the website. People should read that thoroughly before going further.