Broadband users ‘being stung’

Broadband users across the UK are being stung by extra charges from their internet service providers, according to a new report.

A study by Moneysupermarket.com has suggested that almost one in four Britons with a broadband connection admit to only skim-reading their contract, which often has unforeseen and expensive consequences.

Millions of UK consumers are already struggling to become debt free and a quarter of all broadband users say they have been charged for services they did not expect or want to receive.

Internet firms will often charge their customers for the costs associated with setting up or moving a broadband connection and the price comparison company behind the research say it highlights the importance of reading contractual small print.

“With so many offers out there it’s easy to be blinded by the headlines and enter into a contract without thinking about what it entails,” said Moneysupermarket.com’s Rob Barnes.

“Remember, if something looks too good to be true, it probably is,” he added.

Last week, the UK payments association Apacs warned that internet-based fraud attacks resulted in losses around the country worth a total of £22.6 million in 2007.