iPhone 4s - T-mobile false advertising

Striderhound

I completely understand the threat of fraud for them, we've had to deal with identity fraud already to do with mobile phones (our details being used) so I understand they'll be strict, but for them to have a system that actually denied us being able to purchase the phone legitimately, was very frustrating.
After the first attempt at purchasing, the bank called my husband to confirm the purchase, which he did so we had authorisation directly from the bank.

'When you say it is referred to the bank, it is automatically cancelled - you need to be clear what the referral is. If you mean the 'Verified by Visa' step - then this is an integral part of a CNP authorisation. Even if you pass this, the bank can still block it for any reason it wishes - fraud check, non payment of owed amounts etc etc.'
- This was what I was referencing, the 'verified by Visa' step - he told us that as soon as it hits that, regardless of the correct password being used, it will automatically be refused and blocked. So we have zero problems with the card supplier, they were quick to get to authorisation and confirmation from us, it is definitely the supplier who was unable to give us an option to physically purchase that phone.
We actually said the words to him: 'So just to confirm, we have the means to pay for this phone, using legitimate means that have been confirmed by our bank and you're telling us there is no way that we can - whatever we do, it will be blocked - is that correct?' and he said 'yes'.
Trading standards took the details, gave us a reference number and we've heard nothing since but hey, at least we tried.