£253 for a one-minute phone call

Oct 5 2008 The Judge

DES WATTERS got the shock of his life when he was charged £253 for a one-minute phone call.

He had called to check on his wife after she was admitted to hospital with a broken ankle.

But internet giant Tiscali insisted he had not replaced his handset properly and the call actually lasted almost 10HOURS, running up the huge charge.

Des, 64, of Monkton, Ayrshire, said: "I did replace the handset. A light comes on if I don't put it back correctly. But it's my word against theirs. They've already helped themselves to the money from my bank account."

Housekeeper Des made the call a year ago when wife Judith, 53, was admitted to Ayr Hospital for surgery.

He said: "I called the phone at Judith's bed and a nurse answered.

"She told me she was still in surgery and to call back later. I was on for less than a minute."

But the bill arrived showing a call lasting nine hours 54 minutes and 18 seconds. Des, who has a handicapped son Michael, 27, said: "I got a real fright but knew there had to be some mistake.

"I wrote and phoned but no one in authority would speak to me."

I got on to Tiscali, who sprang into action and agreeed to send Des a refund.

They said: "There was a large call charge to a premium rate number on Mr Watters's account but we appreciate that this is likely to be an error with telephone equipment or with the line so have agreed to refund the cost."