20 December 2007
PRS protects customers from bogus calls at Christmas
The Performing Right Society (PRS) is warning businesses of a fraudster who telephones them claiming to represent PRS in order to acquire credit card details.
The call is made from a withheld telephone number which has been traced back to an unknown international location. PRS was alerted to this today and is investigating as a matter of priority.
PRS has been selling music licences on behalf of its 50,000 composer, songwriter and music publisher members for over 90 years and prides itself on adhering to the highest standards of best practice.
Keith Gilbert, Managing Director PRS Public Performance Sales said: ‘No sales calls are conducted by PRS from 14 December 2007 - 1 January 2008 inclusive and a telephone number will always appear on handsets when PRS contacts businesses, in line with OfCom Code of Practice.
‘No business is ever 'cold called' by PRS – an introductory letter and informative brochure is always sent ahead of any phone calls being made. All PRS calls are recorded. ’
PRS will not be seeking to obtain credit card details from customers over the phone until this matter has been resolved.
Any concerned businesses can call PRS on 0845 309 3090 or visit our website www.prs.co.uk for further information and updates on this situation.
PRS will investigate any concerns as a matter of priority by reviewing all contact made with the customer, including reviewing any telephone calls made.
- Ends –
CONTACT:
Catherine George, 020 7306 4777, press@mcps-prs-alliance.co.uk
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
The Performing Right Society (PRS) is a not-for-profit membership organisation of 50,000 songwriters, composers and music publishers and, through its relationships with other societies internationally, represents many hundreds of thousands more creators around the world, spanning all genres of music. PRS plays a vital role promoting and protecting the rights of these creators of music by issuing licences to businesses who wish to use their music. Money collected from the sale of PRS music licences is distributed straight back to the music creators, minus a small administrative fee. This money is a crucial source of income for music creators. It is only fair that businesses pay the creators for using music which enhances the environment for customers or staff.
The law
PRS operates under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. This law clearly states that businesses wishing to use music require a licence to do so from the creators of the music. (In most cases businesses also require an additional licence from the owner of the sound recording via Phonographic Performance Ltd . ) There has been a copyright act in the UK since 1911 , and each subsequent revision has made quite clear the need for businesses to license their music use. Royalties generated by strong copyright law will become increasingly important to the UK creative economy on which economic projections of the future are increasingly based.