Ripped off by Tesco Phones - Advice?

Alcmene

Well...

I have just received a letter from Tesco Home Phone.

Apparently I have 4 weeks to pay an outstanding debt of £43.67.

I phoned them up to try and find out what is going on (they tried to force me to pay but I resisted) and it has been made clear now.

Apparently, a few years back when I signed up for Tesco Broadband, they also signed my up for Tesco Home Phone. This makes a lot of sense now as earlier this year I had to reconnect to BT as they claimed I had been disconnected even though they or I didn't know why.

It seems Tesco Home Phone signed me up to their service WITHOUT my knowledge or permission. So when I was making calls (which is rare as I don't use my landline much I only have it for Internet) I was accruing a bill with them, whilst I was under the impression I was using my BT account.

I think this is really immoral. Is it even legal? It's like they stole my custom by deceipt.

What can I do?

I would prefer to write back to them as I don't trust phone calls. Any time I have ever dealt with a company over the phone they have always let me down on their promises.

But you know, I'm a customer, therefore I exist to be shafted.

:huh:

Buzby

Not a chance, if the problem occurred more than 12 months ago. The whole point of the system (enforced competition) was devised to assist commerce, the consumers interests wren't even on the radar, and to be fair are still not.

JohalaReewi

Ask Tesco for a full statement of your account and proof that you signed up for Tesco Home Phone. You don't have to pay the outstanding amount in 4 weeks so don't be pressurised into paying. As long as the amount is in dispute and you are in negotiations you should be fine. Meanwhile, go through your records to find any Tesco invoices and payments made to Tesco (eg direct debits taken) so when you get their statement, you can double check it. Do as much as possible in writing although Tesco do have a freephone number so you can call to request statements etc.