EU released the results of the investigation into mobile phone-oriented websites this Thursday, after enquiring over 500 of them all across the Union’s 27 member states, as well as Norway and Iceland. According to EU Consumer Commissioner Meglena Kuneva, over 80 percent of them will need further investigation for suspected breaches in EU consumer rules.

Many of the websites selling ringtones or wallpapers for mobile phones were found to post unclear pricing information, regarding taxes or even subscriptions that customers sign up to without actually knowing it. The best known practice is using the word “free” in capitals, while the real terms are written in very small print.

Consumers all over Europe have sent complaints regarding the misleading websites, as they’ve been unrightfully charged for things they haven’t purchased or subscriptions they haven’t signed up for (knowingly).

As Kuneva pointed out, teenagers and children are the most exposed, as these websites generally target the younger segment of the population. Furthermore, the Commissioner warned: “There are many reputable traders out there, but to be safe buying these services, check the fine print every time and make sure you are not signing up for more than you bargained for.”

The investigation revealed that 466 out of the 558 websites checked need further investigation, while the number of cases requiring cross-border co-operation between national authorities reached 76. Moreover, 279 out of 558 websites targeted children, 80% of which have also been found to have irregularities.

Among the most common practices on these websites, 50 percent of them offered unclear information about the offer’s price, by omitting to indicate related charges or subscriptions, 70 percent of them lacked some of the information required to contact the trader, thus breaking the EU law, while 60 percent of them presented the information in a misleading way, by either offering the information hidden in small print, or by making it hard to find.

As a result of the investigation, the companies will be asked to justify and correct the problems found. If they refuse or fail to do so, they will receive fines or orders of closure of their websites. More information on the next steps into solving the matter is expected in the first half of 2009.