Daughter got contract phone at 16!

Denisep_3

Hi my 16 (now 17) year old daughter got a contract phone from orange, she said she was 18 and they didn’t check her id. I don’t want her to be on a contract and was wondering the best way to handle this. Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks Denise

sporedude

Right a letter to Orange telling them this, They might not be to happy with her though

parallax_20

I don't think there is much you can do, other than ask her to cancel.

If she is old enough to lie, she's old enough to take responsibility for her actions. It'll be an expensive lesson for her if she doesn't meet repayments.

I'm surprised she passed the credit check or able to set up the direct debit for the monthly payments. I'm sure Orange will eventually find out she's not 18 when her direct debit is refused. Orange is as much to blame if she fails to pay, as they didn't do the proper checks before allowing the contract to commence.

JamesHP

To be honest Orange is as much to blame as your daughter here; it's a legal requirement for them to check ID.

eco21

I used to work for Orange in store and we have to photocopy ID, so we have to check it is valid, Orange are at fault as well as your daughter

donkingkong

Anyone under 7 can't sign a legally binding contract.
Anyone between 7 and 17 needs parental permission unless it is for "necessaries".
Anyone 18+ can obviously legally enter into a contract.

Source: http://www.ukbusinessforums.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=90585 and http://www.gillhams.com/dictionary/444.cfm

Crazy_Jamie

parallax_20 wrote: »

It'll be an expensive lesson for her if she doesn't meet repayments.

Not really, considering that as she is under the age of 18 the contract will be unenforceable against her.

PotatoPotato

Crazy_Jamie wrote: »

Not really, considering that as she is under the age of 18 the contract will be unenforceable against her.

So technically, if she cant meet her monthly payments.... she wont get chased till she turns 18? Or will they just go to the nearest parent/guardian?

1984ReturnsForReal_2

PotatoPotato wrote: »

So technically, if she cant meet her monthly payments.... she wont get chased till she turns 18? Or will they just go to the nearest parent/guardian?

They cant do anything.

She could run up the biggest bill & they would have to write it off.

stephenc87

If you speak to Orange, they will probably want you to fax in proof of her age and then they will cancel the contract down.
I don't know what would happen with any bills.
And I'm not sure if you could get a PAC if you wanted to keep the number.

parallax_20

Crazy_Jamie wrote: »

Not really, considering that as she is under the age of 18 the contract will be unenforceable against her.

I would agree with this statement. They would indeed have to write it off, and they can't chase the parents for it as they did not consent. It would be a lesson learnt by Orange to do their checking more thoroughly. Although she may get blacklisted for future credit due to fraud, so a lesson can still be learnt by the daughter.