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aerials direct rip off

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stevio
stevio Posts: 73 Forumite
Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
Hi I first went with Aerials Direct 20/09/12 signed up for a 24 month contract.
Then they contacted me again 4 months before my contract had finished to renew.


Next time they contacted me 9 months before my contract had finished.
The time after that they contacted me 12 months before my contract had ended.
(I've only just found out what they've been doing.)
So 12 months ago someone rang me to talk me into renewing for this month Oct 2018. So a new 24 month contract is already in place!


I don't know about you but that is the sharpest practice I have ever experienced in my whole life!



How can I get out of it as my phone is only a basic 2G phone and I don't use data just a few texts and phone calls. Have done for years.


I can get a £4 per month sim. Instead I'm now locked in for another 24 months paying over £15 pm.


Scandalous and they have to do with 02.



Thanks,
Steve
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Comments

  • eDicky
    eDicky Posts: 6,835 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    The phrase 'rip off' implies some kind of theft or fraud - how does it apply here?

    Do you expect a company to explain to you that you are paying far too much and could get a better deal elsewhere? Is it not your own responsibly to look at what's available elsewhere, instead of just agreeing to renew the same contract over the years? Or did they force you?

    Don't you think it might be wiser to accept that your own complacency and neglect is the cause of your discomfort, not this company, who would probably have offered you a better deal if you showed some knowledge of the current market and asked for it..?
    Evolution, not revolution
  • tempus_fugit
    tempus_fugit Posts: 1,189 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    You can't get out of it without paying what you have contracted to pay. It beats me why you signed up with them again, I'd have run a mile after the first time. So, you'll either have to wait or pay off the contract and get your £4 SIM now.
    Retired at age 56 after having "light bulb moment" due to reading MSE and its forums. Have been converted to the "budget to zero" concept and use YNAB for all monthly budgeting and long term goals.
  • pmduk
    pmduk Posts: 10,681 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    Rather than asking how to get out of it, you should be learning the word NO.
  • Neil49
    Neil49 Posts: 3,362 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Name Dropper
    If you only do a few texts and phone calls then also consider a giffgaff payg sim.

    15 p per minute for calls and 5p for a text message
  • I'd never even heard of them but they appear to be a business mobile supplier? Why on earth have you kept on renewing?

    When they next contact you to renew just say 'No'.
  • I don't understand, you say you have only just found out what they have been doing, but you say they contacted you. Did they speak to YOU, or was it a partner maybe?
    Blackpool_Saver is female, and does not live in Blackpool

  • pmduk
    pmduk Posts: 10,681 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    There's a huge legal loophole if companies are allowed to sell business contracts to consumers by phone
  • stevio
    stevio Posts: 73 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    Hi Guys thanks for your input. I say it's a rip off because my dealings with companies over the years is that they contact you within a month or two of your renewal.


    Not a flipping Year before renewal?


    They ring up and give you the speal but they don't make it crystal clear that you are renewing many months before your actual renewal date. in fact a year earlier in the last case!
  • PHK
    PHK Posts: 2,285 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    stevio wrote: »
    Hi Guys thanks for your input. I say it's a rip off because my dealings with companies over the years is that they contact you within a month or two of your renewal.


    Not a flipping Year before renewal?


    They ring up and give you the speal but they don't make it crystal clear that you are renewing many months before your actual renewal date. in fact a year earlier in the last case!

    But surely you would know when you took out your contract?

    Why would you keep renewing if you're not happy?

    Why have you got a business contract?
  • pmduk
    pmduk Posts: 10,681 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    PHK wrote: »
    Why have you got a business contract?

    Looking on the O2 community forums this provider is selling business contracts to consumers, somehow getting out of the 14-day cooling-off period as well. I'm not sure how it's legal.
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