Regulating to build consumer trust in phone-paid services
PhonepayPlus is the organisation that regulates products or services - such as competitions, TV voting, helplines, adult entertainment, downloads, new alerts or interactive games - that are charged to users' phone bills or pre-pay accounts.

SMSus (76787)

Seen an ad for a ringtone but you're not sure how much it costs? Phone bill shows an expensive call you don't remember making?

PhonepayPlus has launched SMSus - a new service that takes the worry out of buying ringtones, wallpapers and downloads, and voting for your fave TV contestant. It works in much the same way as our online number checker, allowing you to check a premium rate number anytime, anywhere, direct to your mobile phone.

Simply text the number or shortcode to SMSus (76787 on your phone keypad). We'll text you straight back with info on how much you'll pay, the company behind the ad and how to complain, if you need to.

So why not store 76787 on your phone's memory? Next time you see a number you're not sure about, text it to us and we'll tell you more about it.

Just follow these simple steps:

  • Select a premium rate number you would like to check (for example, a number on your phone bill that you don't recognise, or a number featured on an ad).
  • Open a new text message on your mobile phone, type the premium rate number into the body of the message and send the text message to 76787 (S-M-S-u-s on your mobile phone keypad).
  • You will receive an automatic reply with the cost of the number, details of the service provider, how to contact them and how to complain (if necessary).
  • Should you need further information about the service, please contact the service provider directly on the number provided.
  • Should you need to complain about the service, please contact PhonepayPlus by visiting www.phonepayplus.org.uk, or calling 0800 500 212.
    Should information about the premium rate number not be available, you will receive a text message suggesting you contact PhonepayPlus.

How much does it cost?

SMSus is charged at the standard network rate. This means it will never cost more than 12p to send a text. The reply from SMSus is free.

In its reply, SMSus does provide a contact number to reach the service provider responsible for the service. In many instances, this number is on the 0870 range. Callers should check with their mobile operator to check how much it would cost to call these numbers.