case of the missing phone

Erics_new_ears

Hi

I am disputing a debt of £424.19 with O2.


As brief as poss. Around June 2007 I made an attempt by internet to upgrade my handset and reduce my monthly tariff.
This meant changing providers if you wanted to keep your original number as at that time you could only get a better tariff with a new number.

The site didn’t allow me to complete the process. I then phoned and, as I believe, completed the order for one handset and a tariff of £25 per month with the understanding that my original number will be transferred to the new handset.

I was not home when they tried to deliver, instead I picked up the package from the nearest depot for which, if I remember correctly, I signed and/or initialled twice.

I only received one handset, to which my number was transferred from Orange and all was good.

Soon, bills arrived for a second line and handset with the new provider O2.
I phoned and questioned these, explaining what had happened but no joy. They 'cancel the contract' but insist on payment in full. I refused to pay.

Eventually the alleged debt was passed to a collection agency.
I sent them copies of the correspondence, they in turn sold on the debt without question.

And so on. Many debt companies many threats.

As I understand from a conversation i had with an operative at O2, there is no air time against the other number and there is no trace of the so called second handset being used.

Latest collectors are Advantis Credit ltd sent to me 6 Feb 2013
threatening a CCJ or Debt collector/bailiffs to visit after 20 Feb 2013
What to do to stop this madness?

Incidentally, i have remained with O2 since that day as the service is impeccable and have no other problems.
I even have my broadband through them.
It's not as though i'm a bad customer!

Surely there must be an administration error somewhere?

Herongull

It sounds like you didn't go through the dispute resolution process back in 2007.

You don't have to pay what you don't owe, but you do have to follow though on disputes until they are eventually resolved.

If you don't get them resolved, then you end up in the mess that you are currently in.

Why didn't you get matters resolved back in 2007?

Are you at least trying to get them resolved now by going though the appropriate process?

See http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/action/how-to-complain-to-the-ombudsman-about-a-mobile-phone-provider/

grumbler

What is the debt for? Is it for the handset only or for the cancellation fee as well?

Silk

Considering it's only got a few months to run before the debt expires you may as well just ignore it.
Theres no point in opening a can of worms at this late stage

Buzby

Do check your credit file to get the full picture.