Can I do anything about this...

Sazzle639

I cancelled my contract with Orange in August last year and I took up a new contract with 3. A few months later I received a letter from orange stating that I owed them money. I called and they said the account was never closed as I didn't use the PUC code I was given when I cancelled and I have had to cough up for October and Novembers bill. I didn't know that if I didn't use it the account would remain open.
I'm really annoyed with Orange, they could see I have not used the SIM card since August but they won't listen and demanded I pay or they will send my outstanding balance to a collection agency.

Is there anything I can do?

grumbler

Sazzle639 wrote: »

....the PUC code I was given when I cancelled

The only way is to complain and ultimately to take the case to the ombudsman, especially if you didn't ask for a PAC (not PUC) and it was typically given by Orange 'just in case':

PAC Codes and Oranges Way to Stop You Cancelling

Even if you asked for a PAC they should have explained you how it worked.

macman

Requesting a PAC isn't cancelling, it's a time-limited 'option to cancel'. Fail to use it within 30 days and the contract continues.
Non-use of the service does not remove your liability to pay for the service that was available, so don't base your dispute on that.

Anoneemoose

macman wrote: »

Requesting a PAC isn't cancelling, it's a time-limited 'option to cancel'. Fail to use it within 30 days and the contract continues.
Non-use of the service does not remove your liability to pay for the service that was available, so don't base your dispute on that.

^^^this. And you will have been sent a letter explaining the PAC and that it is only valid for 30 days. The letter also explains that if it is not used, your service continues.

Silver234

Hi, I have just joined the forum as I have had a similar problem with Orange myself! My contract was up last august and I didn't use the PAC code I was given, unaware that it meant my contract still remained open. After receiving 2 letters in the post this month stating I owed them £90+ I have disputed with them.. didn't get anywhere at first, then mistakenly found myself talking to someone in the 'upgrades' department, after explaining my situation it seemed his only concern was whether my account had been active (i.e. used) since August... as it was not he credited my account to cancel the outstanding balance.
Be persistent, they must get this a lot! And also ask for everything to be confirmed via email! Hope this helps

mobilejunkie

You'll find THAT won't clear your credit file.