JEDDAH, 6 June 2005 — A government committee consisting of representatives from the Ministries of Interior, Commerce and Industry, and Information has ordered Saudi Telecom Company not to provide toll-free numbers to any company or institution for the purpose of marketing real estate. The committee’s directions come after embezzlement and fraud in different sectors, illegal contests and spurious investment offers. The order also stated that STC should not allow the publication and distribution of real estate investment advertisements through mobile SMS messages. Recent scams such as the Venice Island project in Jeddah have caused public outrage and prompted government ministries to take action against possible future scams. Ibrahim Al-Harbi, director of internal commerce at the Ministry of Commerce, told Arab News that the committee was formed before the Venice Island scam. “The letter from the Ministry of Interior was sent to STC directing that no new 800 toll-free-numbers be given to companies marketing real estate investments. It took effect immediately,” he said.