ACM withdraws phone numbers of misleading directory assistance services to the Tax Information Line
The Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) has withdrawn two premium-rate numbers (in the 0906 series) because of misleading practices. These numbers connected callers to the Tax Information Line, which is a toll-free number of the Dutch Tax Administration, yet they charged a fee for doing so. Callers were not properly informed about who the provider of the services was, and about the fact that these were directory assistance services, which meant that callers continued paying (90 and 100 cents per minute respectively) even after being put through.
In late February, ACM already blocked the two premium-rate numbers (in the 0906 series), because a preliminary investigation suggested that the number holders did not comply with the statutory rules. A further investigation revealed that this was indeed the case, and ACM thus decided to withdraw the numbers.
People using a search engine to look for the number of a free service, such as the Tax Information Line, may also find results of paid directory assistance services to such numbers. Even though, in such situations, it must be clear who the provider is, what the service entails and what it costs, ACM does emphasize that people should be alert to this possibility when calling those numbers. That should prevent unpleasant surprises such as high phone bills.
Prohibition
In order to protect consumers better against these types of misleading directory assistance services, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy (EZK) seeks to prohibit paid directory assistance services in the 090x series. This requires an amendment to the Numbering plan for phone and ISDN services (external website) (in Dutch), in which it has been determined by the legislature what numbers can be used for what services. ACM has requested the Ministry to take up this amendment as soon as possible.
See also
- 23-02-2022 ACM blocks misleading directory assistance services that connect callers to the Tax Information Line
- 18-05-2022 Decision regarding withdrawal of telephone number 0906-9393 because of a pricing abuse (in Dutch)
- 18-05-2022 Decision regarding withdrawal of telephone number 0906-0400404 because of a pricing abuse (in Dutch)
- wetten.nl – Numbering plan for phone and ISDN services - BWBR0010198 (external website) (in Dutch)