1) Why do I get charged a 10/12p standard rate message when I enter a closed competition?
It is important to ITV that its competitions are run fairly and transparently in accordance with regulations.
In line with regulatory requirements, ITV makes it clear to viewers that all entries must be received before the closing date and time stated in the programme and that entries made after that time will not be counted but may still be charged. ITV also informs users when they have entered after the closing date and time that their entry has not been counted but they have been charged 10p or 12p.
While the viewer is charged a standard rate message where the viewer has entered after the closing date and time stated in the show, ITV does not retain any profits from the standard rate message charges but pays the monies that it receives to charity.
2) Why can’t you stop me being charged in the first place?
A competition entry costs the cost advertised (for example, £1) plus one standard rate message. When you text in to a competition you are charged your standard rate message and when we confirm your entry you are charged the advertised cost. When you try to enter a closed competition, we cannot stop you being charged for the message you send but you will not be charged the additional advertised cost. The message you send in will be charged at your standard rate which will be 10p or 12p depending on your mobile network.
As we cannot stop you being charged in the first place, we have chosen to donate any monies we receive to charity.
3) What is happens to my 10/12p?
- Any monies that ITV receive from these charges are donated by ITV to the Charities Aid Foundation (www.cafonline.org) and will be distributed by Charities Aid Foundation in accordance with ITV’s charitable giving policy.