TCS Combined Solutions Ltd ran a subscription service called DiscountMeDirect, which operated at two different price points: a maximum of two £2.50 messages per week on one shortcode, or a maximum of three £1.50 messages per week on other shortcodes.

The PSA says that the company failed to obtain consumer consent from all subscribers before sending chargeable texts containing voucher alerts and discount codes. The PSA found that TCS had committed eight breaches of the PSA Code of Practice, fined it £885,000 and banned it from the market for three years.

Following an oral hearing, the Tribunal found the breaches to be very serious. These breaches included failing to get consent to charge some consumers and failing to send spend reminders. As well as fining TCS and banning the company from the market for three years, the PSA also ordered TCS to refund all customers who claimed a refund. To access the Tribunal’s full decision, click here.