How to bar or stop premium rate services

How to unsubscribe from a PRS

Companies providing subscription services (i.e. services with a recurring charge) must make it clear to you that you’re signing up for a subscription service and must supply you with the following details:

• how many texts you will receive as part of the service,
• how much each text received will cost, and
• how you can stop the subscription

To unsubscribe from a premium rate subscription service, text the word STOP to the short code number for the service. Do not text any other words as this may invalidate your request.

Please note that a standard network charge may apply for this text. Once you have texted the word STOP to the sender, you should be unsubscribed within 24 to 48 hours. If you have texted stop without success, ComReg can send a request on your behalf.

Texts that invite you to enter a competition or call a number to win are likely free promotional messages, that may contain instructions on how to opt out.

It is important that you keep these messages in case you need to make a complaint to ComReg or the Data Protection Commissioner.

If you have deleted the number from whom you have received the text, please contact your mobile network operator to get further information on the number and the PRS provider associated with that number.

Can I be charged for receiving a PRS text?

Yes. If you want to stop the charges and unsubscribe from the service, type the word STOP and text it to the mobile five-digit short code number associated with the service (note that a standard network charge will apply for this text).

How to block a PRS

eir, Three, and Vodafone provide a blocking feature free of charge allowing you to bar premium rate SMS/text services in the short code number ranges 53XXX to 59XXX. This feature is available free of charge and should be in place no later than 14 days following your request.

To block all PRS numbers, you must place a request with your service provider.

How to make a complaint about PRS

If you believe you were incorrectly charged for a PRS:

• Contact the PRS provider and lodge a formal complaint.

It is best to do this within six months as PRS are required to retain data for this length of time.

• If your complaint is unresolved after 10 working days, please .

You will need the number that the text message came from, the content of the text message, and the mobile number used to access the PRS.

Contact the premium rate service provider directly and discuss the matter with them. You may need to lodge a formal complaint and get a complaint reference number.

If you don’t get a satisfactory resolution, ComReg can investigate whether the company has breached the Code of Practice. If so, we will request a refund on your behalf.

Has a child received a call or text meant for someone over 18?

Coimisiún na Meán is responsible for Ireland’s Online Safety Framework. If you spot illegal content online, report it to the platform where you saw it. For detailed information on complaints mechanisms that are provided for under the Digital Services Act, visit cnam.ie

Top Tips on Premium Rate Services

• ‘15xx’ numbers or five-digit short code numbers (e.g. 53XXX or 57XXX) are PRS numbers.
• Always read the small print when signing up.
• Be wary of ‘free’ offers or fabulous prizes.
• Be wary of giving your number out as you may be agreeing to a regular (subscription) service which may cost you more money.
• Never respond to ads on your phone that you haven’t agreed to receive.
• Check you are old enough to enter a competition.
• You can text the word STOP to the five-digit short code number associated with the premium rate service to cancel a subscription (standard network charge may apply).
• Keep an eye on your phone bill.
• If your parent or guardian pays your mobile phone charges, check with them before you purchase any product or service.