Premium rate phone scams have been cracked over Easter, resulting in over £1.3m in fines.

16 services were targetted, all of which involved a company called Allied Communications.

The main technique involves using Automated Calling Equipment (ACE). The software calls tens of thousands of people to tell them they have won a holiday or cash prize. The victim then phones back on a premium number in a vain attempt to collect the promised booty.

High rates of ACE activity had been expected over the long weekend following informatoion received by ICSTIS, the industry regulator.

Emergency powers were used to shut down the services. Some of the operators had their income frozen.

Allied Telecommunications was also referred to Ofcom for further action.

"These services are simply unacceptable, said ICSTIS director, George Kidd. "They are intrusive, misleading and almost certainly illegal. We have acted fast to stop the harm but the problem has not gone away."

"Over Easter we again saw a spate of "this junk marketing. When this goes further, into illegality and fraud the proper authorities must also act."

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