Ariel Direct

[Anonymous]

Hi, has anyone had any dealings with Ariel Direct.  they contacted me saying that the were working with O2, and they could give me a discount, and regular tariff.  i agreed, but now they are taking money directly from my account, which is in excess of the agreed monthly tariff.  i am finding it difficult to get hold of them, and i still have 4 months on the agreement.  i have been with O2 for over 15 years, but will be leaving shortly if this is not rectified.  can anyone offer anyadvice please.

[viridis]

A common problem unfortunately,
If you're within the first 14 days you can cancel under distance selling laws, but chances are you are now on a business tariff so exempt from consumer laws.
Sick ain't it.

[viridis]

Sorry just saw you have 4 months left, TBH i didn't read it that far as the first sentences sum them up.
No one says anything nice about them.

[jonsie]

There are many threads about this company buy business contracts differ vastly from consumer accounts. You could make a complaint using the link at the foot of the page but you do need to contact the company directly to find out why the charges are different from the agreed amount.

[Anonymous]

thanks everyone

i will get on to them.  but it is poor that O2 will not help

[Toby]

Hi @Anonymous ,

Sorry to hear you feel misinformed. Let me know how you get on and dont hesitate to send me a PM if you're struggling to contact them.

I'm Toby, the community coordinator

[Anonymous]

thank you Toby, i am getting some support via live chat.  but might have to go in a bit.  i will come back later.  if this is happening to a lot of people, do you think we should contact the police?  if multiple people are being targetted, it could be a criminal matter. 

[Anonymous]

Hi Toby, whilst i was writing to you, they closed the chat, which is not very helpful ;-(.  it appears that tthe numbers in my phone have been unilaterally changed to start with 44.  this then allows them, or O2 to charge extra, excluding VAT apparently.  i have not left the country and can prove this.  it would appear that this fraud is more elaborate than originally thought.  how can numbers change like that please?  is this happening to others?  if phones are being hacked, and numbers are changed unilaterally, then it is contray to the data protection Act, and i would think definately a criminal matter.  do you want to contact the police, or shall i

[viridis]

"it appears that tthe numbers in my phone have been unilaterally changed to start with 44. this then allows them, or O2 to charge extra, excluding VAT apparently. "

I sympathise with you 100% but just want to point out the above is incorrect.

[Toby]

Hi @Anonymous ,

Please send me a private message and we'll sort this out. I cant discuss your case in a public thread, as I may need some details from you.