If you make 0800 calls, they're not currently free from your mobile, but should be in the future
Ofcom, the telecoms regulator, also wants phone companies to stop confusing people with different prices for other 08 numbers.
If you find you can't call your bank, energy supplier or local supermarket without having to use an 0845/44 number, you're not alone. It's estimated by Ofcom that there were 22 billion calls to so-called 'non geographic' numbers in 2012. Meanwhile, if you ring an 0800 'freephone' number from your mobile, it’s not free at all. Now Ofcom wants mobile phone companies to stop charging for these calls. So, when will the changes come in and how can you save money in the meantime?
If you’re doing some last minute Christmas shopping, what are your rights if you buy online, buy a gift card or there’s a problem?
Recently I’ve had several emails from SavvyWomen who’ve had questions about their Christmas shopping experience. Such as, if you buy from eBay, are you covered by consumer protection laws? If you order something online and don’t like it, can you send it back? And how can you avoid getting scammed over Christmas? Here's a selection.
Companies are being encouraged to give consumers access to data about how they use their services
You will be given new powers to ask for personal data from businesses relating to how you use their services.
The government wants us to have access to more information; in this case, information held by companies about how we use their services. The voluntary initiative, called ‘midata’, will mean credit card companies, banks and energy suppliers should give you information they hold about how you use their services, if you ask. The initiative got underway last year, but the government wants to extend it - by law if necessary.
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