Direct Debit theft

Guardsman

Are you or were you on cable ? if so then you would not need a MAC code but if you are using a BT phone line then you do need one

http://www.productsandservices.bt.com/consumerProducts/displayTopic.do?topicId=25798

PTurner_2

I was not on cable, and whether you say I need one or not is completely irrelevant given the facts I've already told you.

Let me try this one final time:

I did NOT provide the MAC code. Tesco arranged EVERYTHING for me

Do you think I suffered some amnesia or something? LOL!!!

Guardsman

Let me try this one final time. What I posted clearly explains the procedure.
You would have needed a MAC code and Tesco would have needed one.
Others have already told you this so I don't understand why you are using caps or typing in bold.

PTurner_2

Guardsman wrote: »

Let me try this one final time. What I posted clearly explains the procedure.
You would have needed a MAC code and Tesco would have needed one.
Others have already told you this so I don't understand why you are using caps or typing in bold.

What you explained was not appropriate in my situation though. Apparently Tesco really didn't need a MAC code from me.

If you want to know why in more technical terms, as bod1467 alluded to, this is because Tesco is what would be called a full 'MPF LLu' provider, thanks to their using Cable and Wireless to provide their service.

C&W generally have their own physical network in the exchange. So when you transfer both Broadband and Phone over to them at the same time - as I did - it bypasses the BT network. In other words, you get put onto C&Ws own hardware infrastructure (assuming they have the capacity) that's housed in the local exchange.

A MAC code is not required for this. From what I read, other people find the same thing, occasionally, when switching both phone and broadband over to other non-cable suppliers such as Talk Talk, who promise to do 'everything' for you and also don't ask for a MAC from your old provider.

BT has this to say:

"In most cases you will need a MAC to migrate from one service provider to another. In a very small number of cases for certain types of broadband connection from other (non-BT) service providers you follow a slightly different process. The migration of both telephone service and broadband is achieved by migrating the telephone service and placing a simultaneous order for broadband. These types of migration do not require a MAC for the broadband."

I hope this puts the point to rest for those still disbelieving. But my question was not about the MAC code, it was about VM ripping me off.

So thanks to those who gave me some helpful advice on claiming back the money, much appreciated.

bod1467

PTurner wrote: »

What you explained was not appropriate in my situation though. Apparently Tesco really didn't need a MAC code from me.

If you want to know why in more technical terms, as bod1467 alluded to, this is because Tesco is what would be called a full 'MPF LLu' provider, thanks to their using Cable and Wireless to provide their service.

C&W generally have their own physical network in the exchange. So when you transfer both Broadband and Phone over to them at the same time - as I did - it bypasses the BT network. In other words, you get put onto C&Ws own hardware infrastructure (assuming they have the capacity) that's housed in the local exchange.

A MAC code is not required for this. From what I read, other people find the same thing, occasionally, when switching both phone and broadband over to other non-cable suppliers such as Talk Talk, who promise to do 'everything' for you and also don't ask for a MAC from your old provider.

BT has this to say:

"In most cases you will need a MAC to migrate from one service provider to another. In a very small number of cases for certain types of broadband connection from other (non-BT) service providers you follow a slightly different process. The migration of both telephone service and broadband is achieved by migrating the telephone service and placing a simultaneous order for broadband. These types of migration do not require a MAC for the broadband."

I hope this puts the point to rest for those still disbelieving. But my question was not about the MAC code, it was about VM ripping me off.

So thanks to those who gave me some helpful advice on claiming back the money, much appreciated.

What this suggests to me is that "Tesco" took over the line without using a MAC. Therefore, whilst VM acknowledge you leaving (which is good for your current situation), they may not have been formally advised of the cancellation of your contract - if a MAC had been used then this would have closed the loop (so to speak).

As advised previously, you need to contact VM (preferably in writing), attaching a copy of the VM letter, and requesting that they refund the monies taken in error. And I'd suggest advising, say, a 14 day time limit for this to happen. If they don't do this (or even respond within that time), contact your bank and do a DD guarantee claim.

Also, cancel the VM direct debit (if you haven't already). But probably wait until the 14 days/DD reversal has been done first.

arcon5

What have Virgin actually said about this?