UK PS3 ads under investigation

In light of strict policies against importing PS3s into Europe, adverts have been springing up for the the PS3 in the back of magazines and websites. One company has put up a series of adverts in popular computer stations in the UK stating, “PlayStation 3: Order now for Christmas.”

Consumers were then given a premium £1.50-a-minute phone number to call. Consumers would then be asked to leave their details on a recorded answer phone service, and then will be assured that they will be called back when the consoles become available.

Sony, after being informed of the ads had this to say:

SCEE is currently investigating it further. We have also forwarded the details onto Trading Standards, and urge all consumers to wait until the official European PS3 launch in March, before purchasing a unit through recognised retail partners.

Just in case you’re wondering, Trading Standards is an arm of the Trading Standards Institute, a private agency that monitors the actions of advertisers in the UK.

Gamespot had this to report about the £1.50-a-minute phone number:

The female voice on the recording goes on to inform potential customers that this phone line service will give British consumers possibly their only chance to get their hands on a PS3 for Christmas–and explains the situation to anyone who doesn’t already know.

So, another company trying to import even if it’s clear that other companies don’t want them to, or a marketing phone-scam that just tries to get peoples’ numbers and details? If it’s the former, then we might see another Lik-Sang.

Via Gamespot

In light of strict policies against importing PS3s into Europe, adverts have been springing up for the the PS3 in the back of magazines and websites. One company has put up a series of adverts in popular computer stations in the UK stating, “PlayStation 3: Order now for Christmas.”

Consumers were then given a premium £1.50-a-minute phone number to call. Consumers would then be asked to leave their details on a recorded answer phone service, and then will be assured that they will be called back when the consoles become available.

Sony, after being informed of the ads had this to say:

SCEE is currently investigating it further. We have also forwarded the details onto Trading Standards, and urge all consumers to wait until the official European PS3 launch in March, before purchasing a unit through recognised retail partners.

Just in case you’re wondering, Trading Standards is an arm of the Trading Standards Institute, a private agency that monitors the actions of advertisers in the UK.

Gamespot had this to report about the £1.50-a-minute phone number:

The female voice on the recording goes on to inform potential customers that this phone line service will give British consumers possibly their only chance to get their hands on a PS3 for Christmas–and explains the situation to anyone who doesn’t already know.

So, another company trying to import even if it’s clear that other companies don’t want them to, or a marketing phone-scam that just tries to get peoples’ numbers and details? If it’s the former, then we might see another Lik-Sang.

Via Gamespot