1 post tagged “bank vs phone company”

Backstory first:

I had an unused, but still open, account with 3 (my phone company).  The tariff was called 3toGo and was essentially contract, rather than a pay-as-you-go.  Unlike most normal phone contracts there wasn't a monthly line rental charge, but there was a Direct Debit set-up.  Only if I used the phone would I get charged.

Now the rest:

In February, I dusted down this 3toGo SIM chucked it in a newer phone and added Internet Max and gave the phone to my niece and nephews (they were staying at my parents and didn't have internet access!)  That should've cost me £5, last a month and that would be that.  At the end of February I got my bill in for this account and it even said, "Thanks for paying by Direct Debit".  Not a problem, everything seems fine, but...

I got a bill the following month for this account - It was for £13.  I'm thinking that can't be right it should be for the usual £0!   So I delved deeper.  I soon realised that the internet wasn't on a month by month basis (that was my fault, my mistake) but that extra £3 ...what was that for?  "Payment method administration charge" apparently - but I pay by Direct Debit!

Well I rang 3 up and argued my case and got nowhere, they blamed the bank.  Anyway, I cancelled the add-on, set-up a new Direct Debit (I had to do this so as not to face another £3 admin fee!) and gave my notice to cancel the account.  Cancelling was really, really difficult.  They really didn't want me to do it.  They kept telling me that as the account cost me nothing a month it would be pointless to cancel.  Never knowing if I'd be charged this fee again in future - even with a Direct Debit setup - I eventually convinced them I really didn't want the account open anymore.

Fast forward to today and I eventually got around to calling my bank (Halifax).  After a really difficult call (could barely hear the guy!) I was told that the problem wasn't with the bank, it was with 3.  I'm told that as I had money in my account and a Direct Debit setup with 3, 3 should've just taken the money out.

I'm back to square one and can't believe how much time and effort I've been putting in for a measly £3.  Despite the pitiful sum I'm really annoyed at this as as far as I can see I've done nothing wrong and been wrongly charged what amounts to be a penalty and can't get anywhere with either party.