Barry features in BBC's X-Ray programme (From Barry And District News)

Barry features in BBC's X-Ray programme

8:40am Friday 10th February 2012 in News By Chris Seal

BARRY featured on the BBC’s investigative X-Ray programme this week (Monday, February 6).

Presenters Lucy and Rhodri Owen were filming in the town centre last Thursday for the episode, which looked at the growing problem of ‘spam’ text messages.

Lucy said: "We came to Barry as it is always bustling.

"Lots of people have received unwanted texts saying they can reclaim Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) or compensation.

"We have been talking to people around Barry to find out how many people have been receiving them and how they feel about it.

"We are looking at how these people are getting your number and what can be done to stop them."

Rhodri added: "It was great fun filming in Barry, but it was very cold!"

According to the Information Commissioner's Office, if the text message doesn't tell you the name of the company then it's probably from a spammer.

The advice is to ignore the messages - even if the text tells you to reply to STOP receiving them.

If you reply then the spammers will know the number is active and they'll sell it onto other marketing firms, so you'll get even more messages.

These messages are illegal because companies aren't allow to contact people without prior consent. If you are worried about messages, contact the ICO to report them.

To watch the episode of X-Ray featuring Barry go online to: www.bbc.co.uk/x-ray