orange unpaid bill - pls help

nattyb1982

I have had a bit of a problem with my orange mobile account.
Back in sept 11 I was charged a lot due to data abroad, whilst I was disputing this with them I cancelled my dd so they couldn’t take the full amount out as I didn’t have it. I think I was waiting for them to get back to me on it and it never really got resolved, my phone was cut off during this time and I asked for it to be put back on whilst things were being discussed. The whole thing had completely slipped my mind (I was planning my wedding) and it wasn’t until I rang today to downgrade my contract that I noticed there was an issue.
Everything was changed for me and a new dd set up – when I asked what the balance was she said “ohh £700” I had no idea that I hadn’t been paying and they had not contacted me to tell me otherwise. It turns out I was on a very high up code that has stopped them cutting me off or contacting me about it – its been 9 months! Im really worried as its completely a slip on my behalf and an error at theirs for putting me on this code.
They said they can let me pay small instalments but im tying to get a mortgage soon and this will defo show up.
Is there any consumer law that says they have a part to play in this and it can be erased from my file or even if they can reduce the total amount due to this error from both sides?

latecomer

Dont think you'll have much chance to be honest - presumably you used the data, and then didn't pay the bill and cancelled the direct debit. I suspect your credit rating may already have taken a beating - something you should definitely check.

Best thing to do is follow up and ask why they never got back to you and see if you can get it reduced by good will.gesture.

nattyb1982

thank you latecomer, your help is much appreciated and i will do that straight away.

McKneff

Okay then, consumer law is that you have used a service that has to be paid for. They have six years to chase a debt.

Even if they did make a mistake, the cost of use doesnt change so you are still liable.

Ring them, ask them nicely to reduce it as a good will gesture.
But it will be entirely up to them.

Hope that clears matters up.

nattyb1982

orange are removing the offending item from my credit file now by writing a note on the account and asking it to be ignored. [text removed by MSE Forum Team]