Carphone Warehouse, Termination. Repercussions?

queensshilling

Hi

Hopefully some knowledgeable souls will be able to help me.

I was on a CPW O2 contract which ended in 2007. Due to complacency I just stuck with them - no upgrades or anything, just kept being billed the same amount I was paying each month during the contracted period.

This month I left the country for good. Before I left I tried to disconnect my number but kept being given the runaround (claiming they did not receive my termination letter etc. - not an uncommon occurrence as I have now found out!).

I have now stopped the direct debit. So,

1) Am I entitled to do this - after all, the contract ended 2 years ago.

2) What can they do to me, seeing as I have emigrated? Are credit ratings checks performed internationally in case I want to take out a mortgage in my new country of residence? I may be closing my UK bank account soon as well.

Cheers for any advice!

Jon_01

Well, you are supposed to give 30 days notice. Once the minimum term runs out it drops to a rolling 30 day contract.

As you're leaving the UK there's nothing they can do. It's go as a default on your credit file and stay there for 7 years. But I can't see that being an issue for you (and, no credit checks are not performed internationally).

Hope you have a great time in your new life, good luck...

DarkConvict

If you notified them that should be the end off it, just keep a copy of the letters you sent.

As above if you move outside the UK it is difficult to persue debts.

queensshilling

Thanks for the advice.

I've exchanged some angry emails with their Complaints ('Escalations') people. They say I need to send another letter recorded delivery with a Disconnection Reference Number (what the hell is this - I don't think I was ever given one) otherwise they will just keep billing me every month rather than cancel my account. Apparently they won't accept notification apart from by post (and I thought we were firmly in the 21st century!).

I've cancelled my direct debit. I hope nothing serious comes of this!

ds-2010

Do another letter of cancellation and send it to someone (friend/family) in the U.K.

Ask them to forward it on to the network provider sent by Royal Mail special delivery. That way you can fully track the letter to its destination and it also has to be signed for.

Then just send some money to the person who forwarded the letter to cover the delivery charges they will incur.

Problem solved.