PRESS RELEASES

21st December 2005

Crazy Frog Ringtone Refund Highlights Lack Of Consumer Protection

Thousands of customers aggrieved at the big bills they received after signing up for the Crazy Frog ringtone could receive refunds. Watchdog Icstis has ordered MBlox, the service provider behind the ringtone, to refund the 338 people who complained directly to it. But it is confident that others affected by the service will also get a goodwill refund as long as they can provide the appropriate evidence. MBlox has also been fined £40,000.

 Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting, Stephanie Dearden said:-  

This fine represents small change compared to the estimated £10m profit that the sale of the Crazy Frog ringtone made for its owner Jamba. The real underlying concern is that consumers continue to be misled when purchasing mobile phone extras, and current regulations do not effectively target the content providers, which are providing the services and making the more significant profits. There seems to be a clear case for better regulation of both service and content providers in this market in order to protect consumers.  

ENDS

  Stephanie Dearden

Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Tooting

Notes to editors 

1. More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/technology/4546374.stm
2. If you would like to arrange an interview with Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Tooting Stephanie Dearden then please call 020-7771-2551 or 07985-649807 or 07754 583090
3. Official photographs here http://www.stephaniedearden.org/smd_mugs/index.htm