Changes to VIP Unlimited Virgin contract

Lola2016

In August 2014 I took out a 24 month unlimited VIP contact with Virgin. Costing £48.00 per month.
On 1st February I received a letter stating that "we are switching you to our 2GB tariff which means you'll no longer get unlimited data" as it is uneconomical for them to offer this. Within the letter it said if I do not accept the changes I can leave penalty free and keep my mobile phone.
I contacted virgin for further advise. Where I was told that I was "blacklisted" that they had a campaign and they would pay me and anyone else on this tarrif to leave as they are not "making money "from me. I was told if I leave and kept my handset I would be blacklisted and if I stayed they wouldn't offer me a new contract or upgrade. As someone who pays there bills on time I am very confused. When I asked to speak to a manager I was told that I was not black listed it's just that they need to get people of the unlimited contract as they buy data from orange and they are not making money from me but I would be able to get a contract with then in future.
I am very confused by this and concerned it could effect my credit rating.
Can anyone help clarify this situation ?
Thanks in advance

SnowTiger

Sounds like an over-eager sales rep who was feeding you garbage to keep you as a customer and earn a big of commission for them-self.

Here's what Experian, the UK's largest Credit Reference Agency, has to say about 'blacklists':

Myth 5: You could be on a credit blacklist

Blacklists don't exist and your credit rating doesn't take account of your race, ethnic origin, religion or gender. Some factors that lenders do consider include your repayment history and how much you already owe. They want to be sure that you aren't taking on more credit than you can comfortably manage.

"Blacklists don't exist" is the important bit to take away from that.

However, that doesn't mean a company may choose not to do business with you because of previous experience. But I think it's unlikely Virgin would turn away custom.

corf999

I interpreted that blacklisted as - if you leave penalty free and take your phone with you - we will blacklist you from using virgin media again in the future as punishment for opting to use the get out we have given you because we screwed you over.

I would go and save myself 12 months phone payments. if they behave this way they don't deserve your business.

System

Someone talking rubbish - if they let you cancel then you can keep your handset and as long as you pay your final bill, no negative information will be recorded.

20aday

Wonder if the BT purchase of EE has led to a potential increase in fees to MVNO's like Virgin Mobile?

Given that there's been mutterings that Liberty Global (who own Virgin Media) partnering with Vodafone in the past (and it's been touted once again, this time in Belgium) don't be surprised if Virgin Mobile end up piggybacking on Vodafone!

I interpret it is as this: if you remain with Virgin Mobile on your current plan when it comes to remaining with them (at time of renewal) they wouldn't offer you a retention deal (i.e. SIMO deal etc) or let you upgrade your phone.

However... That'd be daft... Surely at the time of renewal they'd want to be getting as many customers as possible on lower data tariffs!!

I'm with Virgin Media at the moment... Never really had any issues within the last six years of using them but just lately the cable service is getting slower and slower... Just glad I'm out of my minimum term with them and moving within the next few months... Won't be able to get Virgin Media where I live and I'm not bothered in the slightest!

jb66

You won't be blacklisted.