Cashback Guide for Dummies

Dreamscometrue

mobilejunkie wrote: »

I know of several instances, including two of my own. Not a good sign and the excuses simply don't wash.

An LBA is straightforward, as is what follows (MCOL). Draw a line in the sand; this is a well-trodden path.

Hi,
Is there some kind of template out there for the LBA. Sorry but clueless on this.
Cheers

mobilejunkie

Dreamscometrue wrote: »

Hi,
Is there some kind of template out there for the LBA. Sorry but clueless on this.
Cheers

See post 30 on page 2; there's nothing new under the sun! One thing has changed though; nowadays one unpaid claim does not negate making subsequent claims, so you can only really claim for the one missed claim and either have to do that each time or wait until the last claim and then proceed for all of them (big mistake though!).

mobilejunkie

Having put this on another thread I then considered it useful to add it here so I can find it more easily. There are often people complaining on here because they (or more often their off-spring) have been lumbered with a huge mobile bill because their phone was lost or stolen and someone else has used it (or the sim) to notch up lots of premium rate and/or international calls etc.

The FIRST thing I do when I get a new contract (and I get loads of them) is ALWAYS to set a sim pin AND (unless selling the phone - which I usually do nowadays to increase the profitability on each contract) a phone pin.

Each network has a pre-set default sim pin. It's usually 0000 or 1234 or somthing similar. You need to phone the network as soon as you get the sim to check if you don't know it for that network (though half the people you ask won't understand what you're asking and will want to know what handset you have and so on - which is completely irrelevant to this pin and an indictment of their training!).

The following are the default codes for these networks:-

Orange 1111

O2 0000

T-Mobile 1210

Talk Mobile 0000

Vodafone 0000

Although each sim has the default code on it when it arrives the sim won't be pre-locked. You have to enter the existing (default) code before setting a new one; enter the wrong existing code 3 times and the sim will lock. You then need to contact the network for the PUK code to unlock it (something they do know about, often trying to give you that instead of the sim pin). Similarly, you should set a lock on the phone which operates separately. Then if the phone is stolen (and has been switched off) neither it nor the sim will work (in a different phone either).

Excess Bundle Charges

This seems an even more common issue on here with mobile phones and is totally avoidable. When I keep the phone I set up the phone logs so I NEVER over-run on any bundles (quite a feat when I currently have 9 contracts). My android smartphone doesn't have logs, but I immediately download (a free app.) 3G Watchdog and programme it with the bundle and bundle renewal date. I put it on the homescreen and can check at any time exactly how much data I've used, what percentage and even how much I will have used if I continue at the same rate that month until the next bundle date. I also set up another app. called Call Meter 3G - this ones records minutes used between bundle dates automatically.

I've run multiple contracts for about 7 years or more. I never pay charges outside my bundles and although I've never lost a phone I am content that I wouldn't incur charges for someone else's calls should that happen (unless the phone was switched on and they don't turn it off at any time before using it).

Whilst making a fair profit on all my contracts I like to veto any possibility of reducing or losing it it through avoidable problems which seem to cost some people hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pounds. I continue to avoid paying for any of my mobile use (quite the oppoiste!) and despite the scarcity of decent cashback deals at present long may that continue!

supersaver1000

mobilejunkie wrote: »

See post 2 on page 30; there's nothing new under the sun! One thing has changed though; nowadays one unpaid claim does not negate making subsequent claims, so you can only really claim for the one missed claim and either have to do that each time or wait until the last claim and then proceed for all of them (big mistake though!).

Thanks. I made a last call yesterday and they say they are still behind. Apparently the list gets sent to accounts once a week :rotfl: and so accounts won't know about my phone call until next Weds. They are really embracing new technology aren't they (not). I'm guessing it's a game of only paying those who shout loudest. Dreadful business tactics. The company has been taken over by A1 Mobiles so I may send my letter there and send along an invoice for 2 phone calls and the letter too.

A1 mobiles you should be ashamed off yourselves. I did ask whether they were going bankrupt and whether they were getting their wages paid okay and didn't get an affirmative answer. Maybe they are in financial trouble so better get the claims in quick. (Perhaps I should ask for the rest of the cashback up front as they have breached contract :rotfl:).

Will report back but don't hold your breath.

mobilejunkie

You wouldn't have a case. You should have taken action a long time ago. A complete waste of time calling them to ask. You are well past asking.

Also, make that post 30 on page 2 (LBA) - must be getting dyslexic in my old age!

supersaver1000

Thanks mobile junkie. I've emailed a complaint and will report them to ofcom in two weeks if no response.

Citizens Advice have the details: http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/consumer_e/phones_tv_internet_and_computers_index_e/consumer_problems_with_contracts_packages_and_offers_e/cashback_problems_mobile_phone_contracts.htm
I'm more than happy to follow the complaints route or any legal route as necessary.

ps the money claim link didn't work for me, this one did

https://www.moneyclaim.gov.uk/web/mcol/welcome

mobilejunkie

Ignore the complaints route; it won't get you anywhere fast.

The legal route is the only one which ever produces results in these situations.

Anon

Finally received payment for my recent claim (submitted in May) for Affordable. They have had reasonable deals but I am not sure on current performance they are safe to use for new contracts.

Phones4u/Dialaphone have also had a few deals that break even recently.

Anon

mobilejunkie

Oh, more than break even!

My most recent claim from one of Affordable's sister sites was accepted within 4 days of posting (excluding Sunday). The jury's still out, but definitely one to avoid at present.

supersaver1000

Thanks, have found time to read your instructions - they really are a piece of work. Will never do cash back again. I have some time off in a few days so will be following your process in full.

Buymobiles or A1comms (think they are the same) owe my cash back from April and the 'technical difficulties' are apparently still affecting my payment. They lie and say 'next week' but obviously the stock answer. I've asked if they are going bankrupt or have financial difficulties but they say no.

Sharks.