Simply 3G (merged threads)

I was lucky enough to receive a personal email from Tim Tusler, Trading Standards Officer (in response to my query whether they were still trading). See below for full details:

Thank you for your email received today regarding Simply Communications
UK
Ltd. I can confirm that I have been in contact with the company in the
last
few days. I am sending some information which I am expecting to go on
to
our website on Monday the 4 February. This information sums up our
current
understanding of the situation regarding this company. Currently I do
not
expect to be able to add to this information.

Surrey County Council Trading Standards Service has received a
significant
number of enquiries in the last few months regarding a company in our
area
called Simply Communications (UK) Ltd. The company also trade under the
name of Simply 3G. The company trades from the following address:
Bagshot
House, 37-39 High Street, Bagshot GU19 5AF. The bulk of these enquiries
involved disputes over payments relating to cashback schemes. These
were
schemes where consumers had taken out mobile phone contracts on the
basis
that they would obtain an amount of line rental as a cashback.

The company has sent out to a number of customers letters and emails
suggesting that it was in financial difficulties, and that this service
was
in contact with them and aware of the situation. We can confirm that
this
is the case, and that we have been informed that the following
statement
was placed on the website (https://www.simply3g.co.uk) as of 17.00 on the 1
February 2008.

"The board of directors have met and the decision has been taken to
appoint Michael J M Reid, CA, Meston Reid & Co, Chartered Accountants
Aberdeen, as interim liquidator. In this regard a petition is to be
presented to the sheriff at Aberdeen, seeking the winding-up of the
company
and the appointment of interim liquidator. Once appointed, the interim
liquidator will write to all creditors/customers providing further
details,
in the meantime, if you have any queries, please do not hesitate to
contact
either Michael Reid or Graham Smith on 01224 625554 or by email to
smithg@mestonreid.com"

This service would suggest that customers who are owed money should
contact
the administrators if they have not been contacted within a few weeks.
They
should make a claim, but should be aware that they are likely to be
"unsecured creditors". This means that they are unlikely to receive
more
than a percentage of the amount owed, if anything at all. Anybody who
requires further advice should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506
or
visit their website at https://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk.

Thank you for bringing this matter to my attention.

Yours sincerely
_________________
Tim Tusler
Trading Standards Officer
Complaints Team
Surrey County Council Trading Standards
Phone: (01372) 371746
Mobile: (07971) 663601

Give up on any MCOLs.

If anyone filed one today, then contact the MCOL helpline first thing on Monday and cancel your action.

If you contact them before the summons is issued they will cancel it and refund your fee by cheque.

Apart from that, there is nothing that can be done - apart from contacting the network and throwing yourself at their mercy in pleading to be let out of the contract. Alternatively they may allow you to downgrade to a lower monthly tariff.

Having been watching this thread for a good while whilst I awaited my 6th bill, I now have it but will not send in the claim under the circumsatances. I will instead register my interest with the liquidators for the full amount of cb due for both my contracts (i did in fact e-mail them this morning). We will see what develops....unlikely to get anything as an unsecured creditor, but worth a try.

Was just thinking - is it worth carrying on with my MCOL as Ive paid for it - and then request a judgement when they dont file a defence. I obviously wouldnt go any further than getting the judgement - just to ensure that they get another CCJ to add to their collection.

I know it wont help me get my money back but I figured that that it would make me feel happier and will give the administrators some more paperwork to go through.

sallysaver wrote: »

Are Simply3G and Hutchison3G the same organisation please? thanks Sally

Nope fraid not - Simply3G were just resellers of Three's products. Hutchinson3G are the parent company of Three.

Technically (and legally) Three are not responsible for the situation we are all in, however morally I feel they have an obligation to look after their customers.