Vodafone cancellation

[TooNice]

I just called them up and found that even in this date and age, where I solely hear anyone purchasing a mobile by mail order, you can only cancel a mobile phone (at least with Voda) by written notice (30 days, no less). Bit of a pain in the neck given that I do not have a printer, but it looks like every network have their fault and I'll just have to bear with it. Does anyone has any experience in the procedure? The person on the phone was more interested in finding out why I no longer want to stay than explaining the procedures, though I gathered that they only need my name and number? Because of the 30 days notice though, I want to get it right the first time round, or I'll just end up maintaining three contracts for two months.

[grizzla]

just request a pac code, then when u transfer the number to another network it will cancel the vodafone contract, i did so on friday, got an orange contract with LG viewty for £23 a month, they kept ringin all week after i had requested the pac code but no offers came close so what i got with orange. If you do not want to get a new contract then u can just get pay as you go sim from another network and do it that way

[Ferral]

It is standard procedure now for all networks to require a 30 day written cancellation notice. Its stops fraud in the long run as it has your signature on the request etc.

A lot of people request their PAC codes when doing the written requests also, makes life much easier alround.

[Templar87]

Originally Posted by Ferral

It is standard procedure now for all networks to require a 30 day written cancellation notice. Its stops fraud in the long run as it has your signature on the request etc.

A lot of people request their PAC codes when doing the written requests also, makes life much easier alround.

Would have to disagree there - Vodafone requiring written cancellation is almost certainly nothing to do with fraud. They're just making it as difficult to leave them as they are legally allowed!

Good idea on the PAC code method though - I didn't know that would cancel your contract and it's well worth knowing if they're forcing you to use snail-mail otherwise

[dave87]

I think Ferral works in some capacity for Vodafone, so I see very little reason for him to lie...

[Templar87]

I'm certainly not saying he's lying but who's ever heard of a fraudster *closing* accounts? I suppose it must happen very occasionally but even then I assume a standard "Sorry you're leaving us" letter is sent out which would alert the customer immediately. It's possible that it's to do with fraud prevention but on balance it does seem unlikely...

[Agent]

Originally Posted by Ferral

It is standard procedure now for all networks to require a 30 day written cancellation notice.

My sister cancelled with Orange last month and my mom cancelled with Virgin last month too - neither required written statements.

Perhaps it just depends on how dodgy they think you are

[dave87]

Originally Posted by Templar87

I'm certainly not saying he's lying but who's ever heard of a fraudster *closing* accounts? I suppose it must happen very occasionally but even then I assume a standard "Sorry you're leaving us" letter is sent out which would alert the customer immediately. It's possible that it's to do with fraud prevention but on balance it does seem unlikely...

Sorry, perhaps lie is the wrong term - misinform perhaps.

Unfortunately such errors occur when doing more than one thing at once

[jimborae]

Originally Posted by Templar87

Would have to disagree there - Vodafone requiring written cancellation is almost certainly nothing to do with fraud. They're just making it as difficult to leave them as they are legally allowed!

Good idea on the PAC code method though - I didn't know that would cancel your contract and it's well worth knowing if they're forcing you to use snail-mail otherwise

Ferral is right, it's part of the measures to combat phone slamming and gold number fraud.

Originally Posted by Templar87

I'm certainly not saying he's lying but who's ever heard of a fraudster *closing* accounts? .............

Every single day you hear of fraudsters trying to close accounts, see above. Sorry you're leaving us letters are not very effective in combating this if the account is already closed.

[Templar87]

Hmm, well I'll guess I'll have to accept that then - although I'm still very sceptical as I can't see how a written letter provides any additional protection.

What are you pointing to when you say "see above" BTW? I can't see anyone saying they've had their account closed or other proof to that effect.

With respect to the "sorry you're leaving" letter, account closure takes a minimum of 30 days with most companies, correct? In which case the customer has plenty of time to contact the phone company and explain there's been some kind of mistake?

[MD]

I too had to do this recently - there HAS to be a better way to do it, they are the only network i know of who ask for it and they have a secure web section for WHAT reason when they don't allow you to notify them of a cancellation of account.

if you use the 'secure' email at Vodafone they email you back and ask for every single vital statistic under the sun before they will help you.

They are red taped to the hilt, I know people work for them on these boards, but Vodafone misinform on the phone regularily and then when you do call you have to write a letter.

Remember the catch phrase? 'Make the most of now' well Vodafone certainly are with the 'write us a letter rubbish'

It makes my blood boil, it really does. I even had a rant in my cancellation letter, all I got was the standard sorry your leaving - pay us for another 30 days and we will let you go....

The guy I spoke to said why are you leaving I am sure we can do you a deal, I was like o2, 1200 minutes, 1000 text, £30 a month.

I got silence and replied...no didn't think so and hung up.

[jimborae]

Sorry, my post was a bit abrupt, the "see above" was reference to the phone slamming and gold number fraud and that's why you see fraudsters trying to close accounts everyday.

What i was getting at with the "sorry" letters was that if you didn't have to give a months written notice only then the letters be no good. With a month's written notice then yes they would work to certain degree if you open the letter or it gets there on time.

[Templar87]

I suppose I can see your point - these measures such as 30 day notice and written cancellation only could be perceived as being in place to protect customers.

I would only ask what seems more likely - that Vodaphone want to protect customers or want to make it difficult to leave (and thus, get extra months of payment from people who would otherwise close their accounts immediately)?

[Apex]

Having worked for O2 in the retentions dpt i can say

O2 Online do not require 30 days written notice
O2 Offline ( some times named O2 Direct ) Require 30 days written notice