Vodafone 'Debt' I don't owe

Jo_H_3

I had a two year contract with Vodafone which expired on 18 June 2013 - I had an online conversation with an advisor on 18 May to give my 30 days notice (and have a copy of this) - I also asked for my PAC code (which I didn't end up using) and received a text message from Vodafone stating the PAC code would be valid until 18 June 2013 (and 'we're sorry you're leaving') - I still have this text message. On 19 June 2013 I moved to a pay as you go provider.

At the end of July I received a letter from Vodafone stating I owed them £45 (which is strange as my monthly payment was £20 and I never used my full allowance) and if they didn't receive this immediately they'd bar my phone.

I sent them a letter attaching a copy of the transcript of the conversation with the advisor and asked for confirmation I'd hear no more about it.

Today I received a letter from a debt collection agency stating the 'debt' had been passed to them for collection, if I don't pay the amount I supposedly owe they will charge me termination fees and list this as a default on my credit file.

What do I do next?

Hazzanet

If you didn't use the PAC code, the contract would have continued.

flashg67

Hazzanet wrote: »

If you didn't use the PAC code, the contract would have continued.

As above, you can either terminate the contract or request (and use) a PAC. Not using the PAC means the contract continues. Your 2 year contract didn't expire on 18 June, you just reached the end of your minimum term.

I'd pay it, even if under duress, and make sure the contact is now cancelled, or your credit file will be damaged further.

spacey2012

I dont think they would get this past a county court, if you have served 30 days notice then that ends the contract, any other term must be unfair

flashg67

spacey2012 wrote: »

I dont think they would get this past a county court, if you have served 30 days notice then that ends the contract, any other term must be unfair

Yoy're probably right, but the comment about the PAC makes me think the contact wasn't actually cancelled?

macman

Request of a PAC is not cancellation. It's simply an option to quit. Use it or lose it within 30 days.

Jo_H_3

Just to clarify - I was told to call back on 18th June as cancellations had to be carried out over the phone - This I did - I spoke to an advisor (unfortunately I didn't get his name) and verbally cancelled the contract

earthstorm

Jo_H wrote: »

Just to clarify - I was told to call back on 18th June as cancellations had to be carried out over the phone - This I did - I spoke to an advisor (unfortunately I didn't get his name) and verbally cancelled the contract

You have to be aware that when you request a PAC code or Cancellation you are told to call retentions as they are the only ones that can do this. But what you are actually doing is calling Advanced Sales, who's job is not to let you go, but try and keep you as a customer, they have more power to offer you discounts/incentives to stay.

When i have moved providers i have always requested the PAC but by email and initially they refuse saying you have to call retentions, but i refuse telling them i wont call their advanced sales team as i have not intention to stay. Then they will always sent the PAC by email

Silk

Asking for a pac code overides the cancellation ...if you fail to use it the contract continues

Buzby

The PAC request will be your undoing - as they will say this indicated you were planning to switch and they held the cancellation in abeyance. The damage has probably already been done with a default from the network before the DCA became involved - it would be advisable to check, NOW!

Jo_H_3

Ok I'm a little confused as to what the PAC code request actually subsequently means

1) I gave my 30 days notice of cancellation on 18th May 2013 and this is when I requested my PAC code (which expired on 18 June 2013)

2) I called an advisor in the cancellations team on 18 June 2013 and informed them I wanted to cancel my contract and as far as I was aware this was done. I was not told that because I hadn't used my PAC code by 18 June my contract continued

3) On 19 June 2013 I moved to a pay as you go provider

As stated if I have to pay this sum then I'll have to pay it but I just wonder why if I called to cancel after the expiry of my PAC code (and was told I had cancelled my contract) - it seems I actually didn't!