italk affiliates cold calling

susen

I was cold called by italk affiliates at the beginning of March. I was led to believe they were a part of BT, mentioning that they were in charge of BT's OpenReach. I usually put the phone down on cold callers, but believing them to be from BT - my phone and broadband provider - I listened. They called on an 0845 number, just like BT. They seemed to even know all the details of my package with BT.

I was fooled into thinking I was getting a new, cheaper deal. It was only later, when I received a phone call from a young man from italk, asking me to obtain my MAP code from BT, so they could switch me over, and warning me that if BT tried to offer me a better package in order to keep me with them, that I'd be liable for a fee of £132!

Apparently I'd 'agreed' - a verbal agreement is supposedly legally binding - to a 24 month package with them. I was not told this, nor was I told there would be a fee if I changed my mind.

I may be 70, but I'm not entirely stupid. I was conned. I've discovered a lot of complaints and unhappiness with the way italk draw people in, causing those they cold call to believe they are from BT - just like myself. I was so unhappy after that call about obtaining my MAP code from BT, and I realised that my line had been taken over by a firm other than BT, that I have been trying since to leave. I even refused to pay the huge cost for a month of 'free calls' - only to have a £7.50 'fee' added to my 'account', making it over £25. I was also threatened, yes, threatened, with being put on a bad credit rating list, and that my phone would be cut off.

I can't wait to leave. They only seem concerned about getting in the money; this seems to confirm other people's experiences.

BEWARE - if you are phoned at home by a firm talking of BT OpenReach, and implying they can offer you a better deal, ask them to send it all in writing so you aren't fooled as I was.

They are NOT a better deal, and they hook you into a contract without you realising it.

oldharryrocks

Their offices were raided by the information commissioner recently.

http://www.theargus.co.uk/news/11857175.Brighton_businessman_behind_cold_call_company_suspected_of_6_million_calls_a_day_revealed/

BT dont call on 0845 numbers. In any case they should be providing you with a 01/02/03 number to discuss the matter under new regulations last year.

http://www.fairtelecoms.org.uk/consumer-contracts-regulations.html

Report them to trading standards.

Report them to BT Slamming team. See what involves slamming.

http://bt.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/8739/~/what-is-%27slamming%27%3F

Report them for suspected fraud passing themselves off as BT.

http://www.actionfraud.police.uk/report_fraud

Exhaust their complaints procedure http://www.italktelecom.co.uk/pdf/customer_complaints.pdf

Jemma-T

If you want to get away from them just install a brand new line with a new supplier and stop paying the other company. Let them chase you.

I hope you've learned your lesson and stopped speaking to strangers (your phone is no different to your front door and you have the control).

Block 0845 numbers too.

spyhunter

You need to speak to BT Customer Options team. Call them on 0800 800 030 option 1.

This team deals with competitor related issues and will be able to help you.
They may also be able to help to pay any charges that ITalk may bill you for early termination. Just ask about the "Contract buyout option"

macman

Unfortunately, a verbal agreement has exactly the same legal status as a written one. No telcoms contract requires a written agreement. The problem then arises with cowboys like this when they claim that a verbal contract has been agreed, and it's your word against theirs.
The usual phrasing they use is 'working with BT' or 'partnered with BT', which of course is technically true.
Most of these shysters will never pursue you for the value of the contract via a civil claim, but they can and will trash your credit record and cut off your line if you try to walk away. I hope you mange to extricate yourself from them without too much hassle.

pmduk

BT Openreach doesn't deal with consumers directly.