Three didn't cancel my contract when I didn't use the PAC code

[Deleted User]

john22 wrote: »

Wrong.

Virgin mobile ended my contract even though I did not use the pac code.

After I told them by phone that I wanted my pac code they said my contract would need to be cancelled. They did not send a letter or email to confirm this but instead told me by text that my contract would end in 30 days.

So I don't know what you mean by long established PAC procedures?

Networks should send a confirmation letter when you end a contract rather than lazy *** text messages or verbal confirmation over the phone which gets into "he said she said" territory

I don't know about Virgin but that's certainly not the way the other operators work as far as I'm aware (Giffgaff, Asda, Orange/EE, O2 in my personal experience). The previous advice (by nearly everybody so the OP should know by now what went wrong) is the one I would advise to anyone. If something else applies your mobile company will tell you so.

PHK

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

I don't know about Virgin but that's certainly not the way the other operators work as far as I'm aware (Giffgaff, Asda, Orange/EE, O2 in my personal experience). The previous advice (by nearly everybody so the OP should know by now what went wrong) is the one I would advise to anyone. If something else applies your mobile company will tell you so.

You are correct. If Virgin are operating differently then they are going against the regulations that specifically tell operators that they must tell the customer that a PAC is only possible from an open account and so any cancellation request is superceded by the PAC.

I think it's more likely that the poster's recollection is mistaken.

System

PHK wrote: »

You are correct. If Virgin are operating differently then they are going against the regulations that specifically tell operators that they must tell the customer that a PAC is only possible from an open account and so any cancellation request is superceded by the PAC.

I think it's more likely that the poster's recollection is mistaken.

As I said I wanted my PAC code and the only way they would give me the PAC code is if I cancelled the contract. I have never used the PAC code and went with the number Tesco mobile gave me.

[Deleted User]

john22 wrote: »

As I said I wanted my PAC code and the only way they would give me the PAC code is if I cancelled the contract. I have never used the PAC code and went with the number Tesco mobile gave me.

I believe you were badly advised by the agent and strongly suspect that if you had attempted to use the PAC then your new supplier would have told you that it failed as there is a cancellation order on the number. If you hadn't managed to get Virgin to sort it out for you in that case then the number would have been lost with no chance of getting it back.

It's how the system works, no supplier can decide to do things differently.

System

Colin_Maybe wrote: »

I believe you were badly advised by the agent and strongly suspect that if you had attempted to use the PAC then your new supplier would have told you that it failed as there is a cancellation order on the number. If you hadn't managed to get Virgin to sort it out for you in that case then the number would have been lost with no chance of getting it back.

It's how the system works, no supplier can decide to do things differently.

You may well be right but I'm just the consumer and it's up to the network to ensure customers clearly understand the outcome of when you ask for the PAC code.

eDicky

john22 wrote: »

As I said I wanted my PAC code and the only way they would give me the PAC code is if I cancelled the contract. I have never used the PAC code and went with the number Tesco mobile gave me.

Presumably you are certain that the Virgin contract is not still running and taking a monthly DD, as many who post here have discovered to their surprise after not using their PAC.

Buzby

Never request a PAC if it is not to be used. EE offered leavers a FREE SIM instead of a PAC, so the old number was on a new SIM, and minimum monthly service was billed to it - folk then complained at the ongoing cost, but EE pointed out the customer did not lose their wanted number - the networks just cannot win.

If you want to leave - give a termination and do not take a PAC or SIM if offered - the contract will cease.

System

eDicky wrote: »

Presumably you are certain that the Virgin contract is not still running and taking a monthly DD, as many who post here have discovered to their surprise after not using their PAC.

May 17th was last direct debit

System

Buzby wrote: »

Never request a PAC if it is not to be used. EE offered leavers a FREE SIM instead of a PAC, so the old number was on a new SIM, and minimum monthly service was billed to it - folk then complained at the ongoing cost, but EE pointed out the customer did not lose their wanted number - the networks just cannot win.

If you want to leave - give a termination and do not take a PAC or SIM if offered - the contract will cease.

It's my right to request a PAC code and if you don't use it in 30 days the code won't work when you try to port it to other provider. I decided not to port my number and binned the PAC code.

pmduk

Buzby wrote: »

Never request a PAC if it is not to be used. EE offered leavers a FREE SIM instead of a PAC, so the old number was on a new SIM, and minimum monthly service was billed to it - folk then complained at the ongoing cost, but EE pointed out the customer did not lose their wanted number - the networks just cannot win.

I understood that this is Virgin's practice also.