Mobile phone account transfer scam

araic

Hi,

I really need some advice. I had signed up to a 24 month phone contract with Orange, when I was offered a job overseas. I advertised my phone on ebay and gumtree and found someone who agreed to do an account transfer.
The transfer was done through Orange and the phone was put in another person's name. I then handed the phone over and thought no more about it. However, I have now received a bill for £600, for calls made after the date of the transfer.
Orange however are claiming that I'm liable for calls made during that whole month, as that was when my previous direct debit was set up for. However i handed the phone over at the start of the month, after I'd received a letter from Orange saying the transfer had been completed. I'm not sure what to do now as I can't get through to the person who took my phone. They answer in a foreign voice and immediately hang up.
Does anyone have any advice? Should I get legal advice or contact the Citizens Advice Bureau?

Thanks.

grumbler

It would be interesting to know what the letter from Orange actually said.

Ally

araic, are you able to copy what the letter states (omitting personal details) on here?

It may help to clear up the issue with liability.

gas4you

I recently transferred all my Orange mobile accounts into my partners name, as she is now the director of the company.

Orange clearly told me that the name change and charges in her name would ONLY take effect from the next billing period, which in my case was about 2 weeks.

So it seems they are correct.

in_the_Cotswolds

Have you by any chance got the original receipt with the IMEI number on it? If you have, phone Orange and ask if they can temporally ban all out going calls because you seem to have "mislaid" it. Then try phoning the "new" owner and see what they have to say.

araic

The phone is no longer in my name, so I'm not sure if I'll be able to block outgoing calls. However I'll try to give Orange a call and see.

I unfortunately don't have a copy of the letter that Orange sent me! However, I'll see if I can get them to send me a copy.

Thanks for all the advice. Will see what I can do.