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O2 Debt Collection - Dispelling The Myths

Anonymous
Not applicable
We have seen numerous threads on here from members who say they didn't realise they owed o2 any monies after their contract ended.

Some said they weren't aware.
Some said they weren't contacted.
Some had defaults on their Credit File.
Some thought bailiffs would come a knocking.

So to dispel the myths, here is what actually happens when someone ends their agreement with o2 but doesn't clear the debt. .......

Firstly it is important for people to understand that o2, like most major companies dealing in consumer markets, update credit files every month with your payment history. This helps to reduce fraud and losses. If you don't pay your bill on time (or within a few days) your credit file will show this.

At the end of your agreement:

O2 will first issue a final bill and that will be sent by the same format as previous bills, usually electronically.

In the event of non payment, o2 will try to contact the debtor by the method the customer requested at the beginning of their agreement i.e. by email or by letter. O2 will try up to 4 times to contact the debtor.

Due to the volumes, o2 will not chase small debts by telephone. The cost to do so would be enormous and born by ongoing customers.

In the event of non payment, like most companies who offer services on any form of credit or under contract to consumers, o2 will update the payment records with the major credit reference agencies.

When consumers like you and I seek to borrow money or start a new contract for goods or services, a credit check may be taken. If a debtor has default(s) on their credit file this will show up. It is then up to the company to decide if they want to supply you or not.

O2 may, if the outstanding debts warrant this, pass the debts to 3rd party debt collection companies. These companies use a variety of methods to contact the debtor and try to reach an acceptable payment plan. Note these companies are not bailiffs. Nor do they have bailiff powers.

Ok so now we know what o2 do, let's dispel some of the myths. Let's see what o2 DON'T do. .....

O2 do not employ bailiffs.
O2 do not sell the debt.
O2 do not instruct bully boy doorstep debt collectors.
O2 do not destroy credit files.

Remember, if you owe the debt, pay it. Leave your direct debit in place until the final payment has been collected. If you can't afford to pay the final balance in one go, talk to o2 and discuss a payment plan. But please, don't ignore it. It won't go away and as we have seen before it can result in problems later down the line which will cause the debtor stress and hassle which could do easily have been avoided.
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Curr946
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So why did you cancel the direct debt prior to paying the final bill. Some personal responsibility here surely?
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Anonymous
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because i was told my contract was complete and i dont trust O2 to bill me correctly and stop billing.

 

What has that got to do with the "myth dispelling" statement that is completely incorrect ? nothing at all.

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Curr946
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Because your claim in nonsense, and IIRC your advised by all networks that the final bill can take upto 30 after your notice to take into account any unbilled foreign usage. O2s systems issue bills monthly by electronic or paper based means. It's more likely you didnt get notice down to change in email, or postal issue.
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Anonymous
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wrong again - i have the same email and postal address and phone number that I have had for 3 years.

 

Gentleman from payment centre confirmed that no attempt had been made to contact me.

 

anything else?

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jonsie
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Many people have had a default placed on their credit account because of final bills not being paid. Yes it can take until the next billing date for a final statement but the only invariable factor from the many posts is that none of the customers have had notification of outstanding amounts.

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MI5
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It certainly sounds like o2 need to work harder at letting customers know.
They can't be blamed if not told......
I have no affiliation whatsoever with O2 or any subsidiary companies. Comments posted are entirely of my own opinion. This is not Customer Service so we are unable to help with account specific issues.

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Cleoriff
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It appears very easy for them to write the procedure. Carrying them out correctly is another matter ...:smileysad:

Veritas Numquam Perit

Girl in a jacket
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Curr946
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I just don't understand this, there is no human involvement is sending a bill. So at the very least, those concerned should at least get their final bill, even if the don't get the reminders.
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jonsie
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Yes hard to understand but there must be human involvement somewhere along the line as no notification has been sent. A fully automated system would email and text the same as it would for a normal monthly bill. The fact is that no one seems to be informed of any outstanding payment as documented in many threads on the community.

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gindygoo
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Got to agree, the running similarity is that there is no notification of a debt...

That's why we stress to leave the DD in place until your bill comes in at £0

O2 need to listen to their customers
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