MOBILE phone users in Bromsgrove and Droitwich Spa are being warned about the cost of responding to spurious text messages sent by companies advertising dating or chat services.

Worcestershire County Council's trading standards service is warning residents that they risk being stung by fraudulent messages known as 'text flirting' and the cost of the sting could be as much as £1.50 per minute.

Mobile phone users receive a message from what appears to be a secret admirer and a number to call back on. It is not an admirer you speak to but a recorded message inviting you to join their service.

Principal trading standards officer Peter Holmes said: "Consumers must be cautious when using these services as the cost can be astronomical.

"Be wary of unexpected messages from persons or telephone numbers that are unknown to you."

Trading standards officers consult with ICSTIS, the Independent Committee for the Supervision of Standards of Telephone Information Services, which can fine and in some cases discontinue services that are misleading and unfair.

This year, five 'text flirt' companies have been barred from trading, two of them receiving £5,000 fines and the other three receiving £3,000 fines.

For more information, call Peter Holmes, principal trading standards officer, on 01905 765369 or ICSTIS on 0800 500 212 or log-on to www.ICSTIS.org.uk