Originally Posted by
Dave Noble
If it is just looking up and calling another number, then thats different to spoof as sugggested by "and it masks this with a UK domestic number"
Looking up another number, no different than sites like saynoto0870.com but what was suggested which was to mask the call to appear to be to an 020 number seems quite likely to be illegal
Dave Noble, rather than passing judgment without knowing facts, you might at least read up on this and other methods of calling 0800 numbers.
For Example, 0800 Wizard developer, SkyCom, markets their offering as below:
"Why spend up to 41 pence per minute calling 0800, 0808 and 0500 numbers from your mobile phone? Skycom have developed a solution called the 0800 Wizard. This App lets smartphone users call freephone numbers as part of your network operator's inclusive minutes.
Using the 0800 Wizard is as simple as dialling a number with the App's keypad. Your phone will call a standard 01 or 02 number that we magically link to the freephone number you dialled. The call will be covered by your bundled minutes, or if you don't have any minutes left (or are a PAYG customer) it will be charged the same as a standard geographic number.
The 0800 Wizard App is free to download and use, all we ask is that you tell your friends and spread the magic!"
'Fraud' and 'Illegal' are very strong words that are bandied about on this forum (and others) all too easily. Is it a 'cheat', by which I mean gaming the system successfully? Yes, but so is counting cards, and that's not illegal or fraudulent either.
Also, rarely are fraudulent and illegal things done openly or without subterfuge; if you are so concerned about the legality of such apps, then perhaps you can explain to me why these apps for both iPhone and Android, which number in the hundreds and are installed by folks in the millions, are marketed freely, openly and with the tacit approval of these marketplaces? Indeed, Apple is known for its oft draconian measures to vet and manage the apps that are offered through its App store, and I imagine Android is similarly vigilant.
VodaFone, and the countless other services available in the UK, could certainly raise an alarm with Apple, et al, if they were concerned, convinced of their being defrauded, etc —.or even avoid a legality tact, and simply make the commercial argument that these apps are hurting their earnings. But they haven't and don't. In other words, OP, VodaFone and the other service providers, as well as Apple, Google and other marketplaces, seem far less concerned about these apps than you.
To Bobby Steele and others, this is a legal and acknowledged method for managing costs associated with 0800 numbers, they are available freely and without penalty via the various App Stores and other application marketplaces, and have not been challenged (legally or commercially) by the parties technically affected.