Vodafone payment plan problems

Ukraith

I'm trying to help my friend sort out her finances and Vodafone are proving to be a big problem.

My friend has been silly and over stretched herself financially. Being a single mum she isn't able to do overtime or find other ways to raise extra cash. Just to top it all off her useless ex has stopped paying child support as well, so money really is tight right now.

She has been unable to pay her Vodafone bill for a while and as expected Vodafone have now written to her to say that the contract is terminated and that she owes them over £300.

That part is fair enough, if you dont pay the contract its going to be terminated. The problem is trying to come to an agreement with Vodafone over making monthly payments to clear the debt. They are refusing to go any lower than £65 a month which at this moment in time is not something my friend can afford. She has been told by Vodafone that the only way she would be able to make lower monthly payments is if she doesnt pay Vodafone anything and waits for them to pass it to debt collectors. Once the debt collectors have the debt they would apparantly be happier to negotiate a price but they would be adding their own charges on top of this.

Personally I think that this is disgraceful that Vodafone would make someone who is already having problems, but willing to come to an agreement, have to pay more to go through debt collectors tha to come to an agreement with them. Yes my friend has got herself into problems but now that she is trying to get out of them Vodafone are making this very hard. She has been able to come to agreements with other companies just not Vodafone.

Are Vodafone really within their rights to do this?
If a complaint is to be made would it be best made through OFCOM or FSA?

grumbler

Ukraith wrote: »

...Are Vodafone really within their rights to do this?

Why not?

If a complaint is to be made would it be best made through OFCOM or FSA?

I think neither as this would be just a waste of time and efforts.

It's not that I approve the way Vodafone are acting. However, it is typical for them as based on many other reports here.

dil1976

You may be better posting this on the Debt Free Wanna Be board as there will be people better versed in a approach to this subject there.

Not saying the posters on here are not.

carrieparkinson

hi, Vodafone are unable to set an installment plan for longer that 6 months. if your friend can clear the arrears in full minus term fees within 90 days of cancellation then they can reconnect the service and remove the term fees. if i ws your friend id try and juggle finances a bit as accounts generally go to debt recovery within a month of cancellation where a default on her credit file will occu as well as the extra charges. Vodafone can accept payment weekly if thats better for your friend?

Buzby

The damage to her credit file is already established (as she agreed to this). The next argument is more contentious - if Vodafone don't want her money, then should she be the slighted bit bothered if another company takes on the debt? Providing she has the strength to face off the DCA demands there's nothing to worry about. The networks have much preferred the easy route of selling of the debt and not taking folk to court (as there's always the risk they might lose). A DCA won't either, as it won't be profitable - and if the only damage is to the credit file, paying it off won't remove it, the last last incentive to do the 'right thing' flies out the window.

A mobile phone contract is rarely a necessity - especially as PAYG provides a no risk alternative.

grumbler

carrieparkinson wrote: »

hi, Vodafone are unable to set an installment plan for longer that 6 months

Unable?
Or just don't want to? Or just cannot overcome their computer that says 'NO' and that they have lost control over long time ago?

Vodafone

Hi Ukraith,

I can appreciate that your friend is eager to get this resolved.

If she would like me to to take a look at this for her, she can email me personally via the address here with WRT135 FAO Heidi in the subject.

If she could also include a link to this post and a contact number, I will get in touch.

Best wishes,

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK

Ukraith

Thanks Heidi. Message has been passed along to my friend. I have done all I can and hope she is able to sort something out with you :j

Thanks for the replies everyone

Vodafone

Hi Ukraith,

That's great, thank you.

Heidi
Web Relations Team
Vodafone UK