UK trade body launches best practice initiative to clamp down on premium rate dodgy geezers.
The Association for Interactive Media & Entertainment (AIME) has agreed a series of measures to reduce the incidence of merchants that cause consumer harm by breaching the PhonepayPlus Code of Conduct and other regulations.
Twelve 'terminating providers' worked with AIME to develop the guidelines, and the first five to sign up are Zamano, mBlox, WIN Plc, 2ergo and Oxygen8
The AIME members that commit to follow the guidelines have agreed to implement the following:
· Carry out due diligence on the MP in the same way that the PhonepayPlus 11th Code requires Network Operators to so on technical Service Providers
· Proactive searches to determine whether the MP or its directors have been involved in previous breach activities
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· Passport checks for MPs based overseas to validate identity
· Bank account checks
· On-going monitoring and documentation of services to ensure compliance
· Induction of a compliance culture throughout the TP’s organisation, including sales team
· Provide PRS regulation training to all relevant parts of the organisation
· Suspend any out-payments to MPs as soon as suspected breach identified
· Commit to proactive and regular analysis of traffic reports
Declan Pettit, MD of Zamano, said: “As with most terminating providers in this industry, Zamano have had regulatory issues with merchant providers in the past.
"Taking a collective view on board about lessons learnt, Zamano is delighted to support AIME’s initiative. Not only does it provide a benchmark for due diligence, it will also encourage the industry to embrace compliance as a fundamental element in both their culture and processes going forward.”
