orange treat a disabled mum terribly, need help

harrassedmum

When I took the orange contract out for my daughter, I was told it was an "excellant contract for teenagers". I am a single mum to two daughters and because of my disablities, unfortunatley I have to rely on benefits to feed, clothe and pay bills. It is reassuring for both me and my daughter to be able to contact each other in case of emergencies etc. However unfortunatley my daughter is obviously very very talkative, she managed to run a bill of £1,500 last month!!!!!!

I talked to orange and explained I was unable to pay the amount in full as I just dont have that kind of money. I offered to pay over the 11 months left on the contract. They stated that in cases such as this, it was orange policy to only let payments be taken out over a six month period and stated that I was to pay £250 each month. I explained that I had less than £250 to last the month to pay utility,food,mortgage and other normal expenditures. They became very rude in their manner and refused any further negotiations refusing to put me through to anyone superior. I am worried sick about the bill. I was accepting responsibility for the bill and just wanted to agree on an amount that I can afford. Can anyone help or give me advice (other than gag my teenager daughter!!!!)

Lynxette

Unfortunatly, you signed the contract and thus agreed to pay whatever bill is run up. Personally, I would have got a PAYG phone and topped it up for her; Once the allowance is gone, tough luck.

I don't know about the legal standing on this but that is generous for Orange; My sister was a similar situation when her youngest daughter left the phone running after 'playing' with it, and ran up £800 in bills. They gave her three months to pay it off or they would put it into debt recalling.

Although it's not much use now, in future (prehaps if you are considering for 'other' daughter), if it has to be a contract phone I would go and talk to T-mobile, as they do deals that cap your contract and stop you making calls/senting texts once you have reached an allowance.

Guys_Dad

The first thing you need to do is to write to Orange and then keep copies of all the correspondence. Phone calls are totally worthless.
Clearly, you need to accept that you have a liability to pay and that you appear to have done. If you write to Orange, accept the liability and make a reasonable offer to pay over the period of the contract, Orange will need, as a company, to acertain whether or not they will achieve anything better by taking you to court. You know your situation - would a court offer them anything more generous than you appear to be offering. I would suggest "No".
If they go to court, try to be there. If you do nothing and don't keep a diologue going, attand any court hearings or at least write in if you are unable to attend, Orange will get judgment by default, bailiffs will eventually be appointed and the debt spiral - that is if they don't try to repossess goods.
At all times, you must show that you are being reasonable and offering to make good. You should also seek Citizens' Advice help.
But above all, do everything in writing and keep copies.

harrassedmum

Thanks very much for the advice, which I will follow. I was going to try and telephone them, but after reading your reply I will write to them (recorded delievery), and keep a record of all correspondence. Thanks again for the good advice.

Mike_by_the_Sea

Guys_Dad wrote: »

You should also seek Citizens' Advice help.
But above all, do everything in writing and keep copies.

This is good advice, get in touch with the CAB as soon as possible for their advice - it can't do any harm.

Best of luck

Mike

Nicifer_noonoo

Orange seem to treat EVERYONE terribly - don't think it's anything to do with disabilities!

I'd suggest the CAB, but it's the same as any other bill - unfortunately, we all have to pay for what we use. And take that phone off your daughter!