We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!

Money Moral Dilemma: Should I keep quiet about my 'free' broadband?

Options
This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...
I signed up for Vodafone fibre broadband and then changed my connection date. This seems to have confused its systems - the broadband works, but several months down the line I've realised I've not been charged.

Unfortunately the MSE team can't always answer money moral dilemma questions as contributions are often emailed in or suggested in person. They are intended to be enjoyed as a point of debate and discussed at face value.

If you haven’t already, join the forum to reply.

Got a money moral dilemma of your own? [URL="mailto: mmd@moneysavingexpert.com"]Suggest an MMD[/URL].

[purplesignup][/purplesignup]
«1

Comments

  • Marvel1
    Marvel1 Posts: 7,436 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    I'm trying to work out how this related to Marriage, Relationships & Families, when there is a broadband forum.
  • Someone will discover the oversight sooner or later and you'll get charged for it. Best not let it build up, I say.
    Signature Removed by Forum Team ..thanks to somebody reporting a witty and decades-old Kenny Everett quote as 'offensive'!!
  • MSE_Kelvin
    MSE_Kelvin Posts: 401 MSE Staff
    Seventh Anniversary 10 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    My mistake @cjdavies - have moved the thread to the Broadband & Internet Access board.

    Thanks for the heads up :beer:
  • kazt2006
    kazt2006 Posts: 54 Forumite
    edited 14 August 2018 at 7:48PM
    I would put the money away each month until they send you a bill. Then when they do, negotiate over the length of time you have to pay the arrears in since it is not your fault. When your minimum term is up, try switching to a better deal with another provider to see if that triggers something. I know with energy companies there is a limit to how far back they can go but do not think this applies to phone and broadband providers!

    If you have set up a DD just double check at your bank that this is active - i.e. set up as a payee on internet banking to ensure that they could take the payment if they wanted.
  • ska_lover
    ska_lover Posts: 3,773 Forumite
    1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I would keep the money aside, and if it isn't discovered I would not tell them

    It's their mistake. I wouldn't own up..Id wait to see if they approached me
    The opposite of what you know...is also true
  • You have an obligation to pay for the service they are providing, but are under no obligation to notify them that they are not charging you. Put the money aside each month. When they finally catch up with you, submit a formal complaint about their billing system, and demand compensation in the form of a reduction.
  • Lorian
    Lorian Posts: 6,234 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    It's Vodafone, it won't work much longer anyway ;)
  • esuhl
    esuhl Posts: 9,409 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    MSE_Kelvin wrote: »
    This week's MoneySaver who wants advice asks...
    I signed up for Vodafone fibre broadband and then changed my connection date. This seems to have confused its systems - the broadband works, but several months down the line I've realised I've not been charged.

    Okay. Was there supposed to be a question somewhere?
  • cooki2222
    cooki2222 Posts: 518 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture Combo Breaker
    esuhl wrote: »
    Okay. Was there supposed to be a question somewhere?

    Money Moral Dilemma: Should I keep quiet about my 'free' broadband?

    Pretty much in the title of the thread :D
  • I would be very carful. I'm an independent Mortgage Advisor and one of the biggest barriers I see are defaults from utility & communication providers. If there is one outstanding on your credit file you will be automatically declined by most (if not all) high street lenders. Most clients that find they have these have no idea they were there and when they find out why feel they have been unfairly applied. It's not worth the risk if you ask me.
This discussion has been closed.
Meet your Ambassadors

🚀 Getting Started

Hi new member!

Our Getting Started Guide will help you get the most out of the Forum

Categories

  • All Categories
  • 350.9K Banking & Borrowing
  • 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
  • 453.5K Spending & Discounts
  • 243.9K Work, Benefits & Business
  • 598.8K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
  • 176.9K Life & Family
  • 257.2K Travel & Transport
  • 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
  • 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
  • 37.6K Read-Only Boards

Is this how you want to be seen?

We see you are using a default avatar. It takes only a few seconds to pick a picture.