Virgin Media don't seem to want their box back. Is it mine now?

I cancelled my Virgin Media broadband package in March 2023. After the mandatory 30 day "disconnect notice period" the service finally ended in early April. At the time, Customer Service were quite adamant - on the infuriating webchat function - that I needed to return their box when the service ended otherwise I would be charged a fee. They said they would either send a local field agent to collect it or send me a pre-paid envelope to post it to them. Neither things have happened. That was early April. It's now the end of July. Any advice on whether I would now be justified in recycling it, selling it, or putting it in the back of a cupboard and forgetting about it? Is there a time-period after which, if they don't attempt to get it back, it becomes mine?

Comments

  • brewerdave
    brewerdave Forumite Posts: 8,426
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    Don't think it ever becomes yours - not much use to you or anyone else because it only works on the VM system so no point in recycling/selling.
    Seem to remember posts from previous VM subscribers who were charged many months after the cancellation for "non return", so hang on to the box in case.......
  • p00hsticks
    p00hsticks Forumite Posts: 12,339
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    edited 31 July at 9:59AM
    Have you checked  what you have against their webpage here to confirm whether they want you to return it or recycle it ?
    How to return or recycle equipment | Virgin Media Help

    If it says it's an item they want back I'd chase it up. You can request another pre-paid returns pack here if one hasn't appeared. 
    request-returns-pack | Virgin Media 
  • victor2
    victor2 Forumite, Ambassador Posts: 7,242
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    I've got a very very old VM box still in the loft. It was from when I upgraded and changed contract years ago, and they never asked for it back despite saying they "may".
    Had a few hub replacements since then, but it's been done by an engineer to rectify a problem and they took the old box away with them.

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  • GlasgowPete
    GlasgowPete Forumite Posts: 3
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    Thanks everyone. I've followed the links sent by "p00hsticks" and requested a Returns envelope. Will be glad to get rid of it (certainly don't want to risk getting a Payment Demand letter at some point in the future!!!!). Thanks.
  • daveyjp
    daveyjp Forumite Posts: 12,084
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    When I cancelled it was confusion from Virgin.  I was told to expect an envelope to post it back.  I was then emailed to say it could be picked up from me and to await an email.  That never arrived, but an envelope did so I sent it back.


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