Why has Dad's phone been blocked?

chirpycheap

My father has had his Pay as you go mobile phone blocked by his network provider. Since last Wednesday he has been unable to use his phone to make calls or send texts.
When he tried to find out what the problem was he was told that it was because he was using it 'inappropriately' for 'business purposes'. He is 83, long retired and only ever uses the phone in emergencies topping up and keeping a small balance on it.
He tried again today only to be told that they were still looking into 'inappropriate usage'. My dad is a very old fashioned, honest gentleman and is really distressed by what he has been told. he feels as though he is being accused of something and his mind is going into overdrive worrying about it.
He has been told to get back to them on Monday which isn't great as he is off on a coach trip for a week and possibly minus his phone.
Has anyone else had any problems like this with their phone? Is there anything that I can say to reassure him that he isn't being 'accused of something'. He is worrying about his' good name'
Thanks

elsien

I'm guessing he hasn't got an online account he can check to see what usage is showing on there at the moment?

chirpycheap

elsien wrote: »

I'm guessing he hasn't got an online account he can check to see what usage is showing on there at the moment?

No he hasn't, although that's a good point. I could maybe try and set one up for him and take a look. He says his balance hasn't gone down. Thanks

mobilejunkie

Why would it matter what useage he has?? If it's PAYG it doesn't matter. The only reason I can think of for a block is if the phone was reported stolen.

chirpycheap

mobilejunkie wrote: »

Why would it matter what useage he has?? If it's PAYG it doesn't matter. The only reason I can think of for a block is if the phone was reported stolen.

Yes I know we are really bemused by the whole thing. Hopefully it is some administrative error.

Jon_01

Well, inappropriate usage means something that contravene the terms of service. But how a retied gent of 83 manages that is a mystery??

Something like sending thousands of texts a day, highly unlikely!!

I'd guess that when they get back to him (and if they don't when they say they will case them), it'll turn out to be an error on the network reporting software.

I'd be wanting some comp for messing him around and creating distress!

chirpycheap

Jon_01 wrote: »

Well, inappropriate usage means something that contravene the terms of service. But how a retied gent of 83 manages that is a mystery??

Something like sending thousands of texts a day, highly unlikely!!

I'd guess that when they get back to him (and if they don't when they say they will case them), it'll turn out to be an error on the network reporting software.

I'd be wanting some comp for messing him around and creating distress!

Thank you for your reply . It is difficult for the older generation trying to embrace new technology with old fashioned values.

AndyPK

could get him a new phone from tesco for £10 ?

as a stop gap

chirpycheap

AndyPK wrote: »

could get him a new phone from tesco for £10 ?

as a stop gap

Thanks. Yes, I think that would probably be a good plan.

McKneff

I would just get a new phone and bin the other one . They don't deserve his custom . . How much credit is there on the phone,.

david39

Could you not just remove the SIM from the phone and get a new SIM from another supplier?