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Student receives racist phone jokes from 118 118
A Lancashire student has spoken of his shock at receiving racist "jokes" from directory inquiry service 118 118.
Kameron Abbas, a student at Preston's University of Central Lancashire, used the company's new joke text service.
He used the mobile phone of a friend, 20-year-old Imran Shah, also a student, from Leyland.
For a fee, users can receive jokes by text messaging to their mobile phone.
Kameron, 21, said: "Me and my friend texted 118 118 after seeing their advert on TV. We did it for a laugh as we were bored.
"I was horrified at what we received and couldn't believe that 118 118 would send anything like what they did. It was promoting racism."
Among the texts the pair received was this: "What's the difference between ET and an Asian? ET got the message and went home."
The stunned student, who lives in Accrington and whose family come from Pakistan, said he then responded to 118 118 asking: "Do you send racist jokes?"
The company responded that it "does not send jokes of this kind".
Kameron said that he intends to talk to his solicitor about the matter.
A spokesman for 118 118 promised to investigate the incident.
He said: "This is a breach of our standards. We don't do jokes like that. This is a disciplinary issue and we would like to apologise. He should not have received it."
Preston MP and racial equality campaigner Mark Hendrick said: "Clearly this is racist material and would be found offensive by sections of the community.
"I think it's only right and proper that 118 118 correct the material they send out because it should be seen as a responsible business.
"I commend the fact they have apologised for this and hope that no material of this nature will go out in the future."
The 118 118 brand is operated by The Number from three call centres based in Cardiff, Plymouth and Manila in the Philippines.
Launched in 2002, it provides a range of services including directory inquiries, cinema listings, train times, and a question and answer service.
Its new joke service has been featured in a series of televised advertisements featuring a pair of runners sporting headbands and moustaches.
When the Evening Post requested a joke from 118 118, the following was received: "Mother: 'Did you enjoy your first day at school?'
"Girl: 'First day? Do you mean I have to go back tomorrow?'"
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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