Cost of calls to 0844 and the morality of this?

Susan1942

I live in a over 55 development. I have lived here for 21 years. About 3 months ago we changed from Tunstall to Chubb our emergency alert company.
There are a lot of teething problems with Chubb. They have provided us with a call number which takes you to the emergency call services. We can use the call button in our flats but when I tried to call the 0844 number they gave me it was blocked saying that I need a pin number to connect. I have got BT Guardian which asks for the caller to identify themselves. When that call comes through you are told who is calling and then select 1 to allow the call to come through.
Chubb are now using an 0844 number which I have found out are charging me 19 p per minute and 15 p per minute to the company I am calling. I got through on my mobile to an answer machine. I have got a package for all local and national calls included in my package for my phone and Broadband. Mobile calls are free but obviously not the 0844. I am wondering about the morality of this given that we pay for the call system as part of our charges on our maintenance costs. When I look at Talk Talk the charge is 12 .5 per minute and whatever the company charge which could be zero to 7p per minutes. Opinions would be appreciated. Sue

couriervanman

have a look here.....just enter chubb in company name



https://www.saynoto0870.com/search.php


if the number your calling is 0844 736 1036 try 01933 671234
or if its 0844 879 1723 try 0141 332 3230

Susan1942

Thanks for that but could not see the number I have been given. The number provided is 0844 879 1301

Will have another look at it Sue

[Deleted User]

Susan1942 wrote: »

Thanks for that but could not see the number I have been given. The number provided is 0844 879 1301

Will have another look at it Sue

I wouldn't worry about not finding that particular number there.

From the sayno website I'd try 0121 212 7560

Customer services - to request an Engineer; also 0121 2127561 - press 0 for the operator

If not then 0800 282494 or 0121 200 3311

Contract Alarm Systems

should be able to redirect at least.

Edit: once you've found the correct one don't forget to pass it on.

Susan1942

Will give that a try tomorrow. Will let you know how I get on. It just makes me angry and feel as though it is a rip off. The Freehold was sold about 3 years ago and the Landlord changed to a new management company who are a nightmare. They do not have any experience of managing retirement developments. We have a Residents Committee who are being met with resistance on every issue. Sue.

Ian011

Usage of an 0844 number (indeed any 084, 087 or 09 number) for contact by customers has been illegal since 13 June 2014.

http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2013/3134/regulation/41/made


If the call charges are not declared immediately alongside any 084, 087 or 09 number, this is additionally a breach of Ofcom regulations in force since 1 July 2015.

https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-telecoms-and-internet/advice-for-consumers/advice/uk-calling/uk-calling-for-businesses

Susan1942

Thanks Ian for that information..I met the Chair of our Residents Committee and expressed my opinion..She said this would mean that Chubb would have to change all their business and not just our development. She was not happy about me raiding the issue.
What I am going to do is find out what I.can do myself.
My point is I am questioning the morality of them making money from.elderly vulnerable people.
Sue

[Deleted User]

Susan1942 wrote: »

My point is I am questioning the morality of them making money from.elderly vulnerable people.
Sue

People in over 55's accommodation are not automatically "vulnerable"and must have been diagnosed as such by a medical professional.

Regardless, usage of 0844 numbers for customer service contact has been illegal since 2014, so it's not a question of "morality"

unforeseen

But who is the customer? The management company who decided to change to Chubb, therefore the contract is with them? Or the resident?

I would say the management company and problems should go through them. It's a bit like going direct to manufacturer than the retailer where the liability actually sits.

Susan1942

The management tend to ride rough shod over us. Our residents Committee do spend a lot of time checking on bills. bank accounts.
Repairs that need doing, fulfilling terms of the lease etc etc
We can just push the button or pull a cord to contact the.emergency alert.
While I am not vulnerable we do have many who.are.
As this issue could involve friction I am just going to let it go..
Should I personally need to telephone them I will just use one of the telephone no's on 0870. I am unsure if this no.is the one our Manager has to.call them.on. I will check with him.
Thank you all.for your information and advice. Sue

[Deleted User]

Susan1942 wrote: »

While I am not vulnerable we do have many who.are.

Do you know what the medical definition of "vulnerable" is? A vulnerable adult is a person who is or may be for any reason unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation.
Anyone so afflicted, should not be living independently in an over 55's development.

Being elderly does not automatically indicate vulnerability.