WHEN searching for goods or services, most people will search on the internet first.

And most websites have a telephone number prominently displayed.

But some companies will not realise that as of June 13, 2014 they cannot show premium-rate telephone numbers on their website for their customer service lines.

This change in the law does not apply to services such as technical support or sales lines.

Failure to provide a standard rate number could result in action being taken by Trading Standards, and possibly claims from customers for the additional cost of calling a premium rate rather than standard rate telephone number.

For more advice, please contact Robert Finlayson, a managing partner and head of the dispute resolution team at Lamb Brooks LLP, on 01256 305510 or email him at robert.finlayson@lambbrooks.com.