PAC Code Problem with 02

Chrisk47

Basically, I lost my old PAYG phone (and 02 Sim) a couple of days ago. I've now decided to go onto a contract - Blackberry 8520 is my current aim and the best deal i've seen is with Vodafone - I still want to keep my number from 02. I was told that I needed to get a PAC code. I rang up and told them I lost the phone, this of course meant that I couldn't tell them the SIM card number, they then asked me for my phone balance. I had a rough idea but I apparently wasn't close enough. Im sure I could answer all the other security questions but the guy said that I needed to get past this initial security wall - meanwhile he was trying to persuade me to stay. Is this definatley the case with PAC Codes? is there no alternative security questions I could answer? - Or are they just trying to discourage me from leaving?

iwanttosave_2

Nope, the security process is very strict. The 1 question you must ask is the balance on the sim, if you can't get it correct then the call cannot be taken any further.

Jon_01

It all down to the data protection act, there a fines for the agent and the network if they don't comply.

They can't keep asking you questions until you get 2 right, that would be pointless.

Ask them if there's any way you can take proof of ID into a store and do it that way (with your driving licence, passport, utility bill ect.).

Chrisk47

I just find it strange that when I went to Phones4u today for a quote they told me that there wouldn't be a problem with changing the number over and that I could just leave it to them.

Im trying to remember how many calls I made since my last top-up, its not easy working out how many were free calls! I really want to keep the number, and find it hard to believe that if I could succesfully answer all other questions: address, last top up, last phone call made from phone etc, that that wouldn't be enough.

Jon_01

Chrisk47 wrote: »

I just find it strange that when I went to Phones4u today for a quote they told me that there wouldn't be a problem with changing the number over and that I could just leave it to them.

Im trying to remember how many calls I made since my last top-up, its not easy working out how many were free calls! I really want to keep the number, and find it hard to believe that if I could succesfully answer all other questions: address, last top up, last phone call made from phone etc, that that wouldn't be enough.

If someone you knew stole your phone they would know your address, they could have made the last call from the phone and topped it up.

Any business dealing with personal data has to comply with the data protection act, they have no choice. That's why there are passwords and pin codes. The one thing that's hammered into stall that take calls is they have to have every person the speak to clear security there's no way around that.

If you're in a store you can prove who you are with other forms of ID.