3 on Watchdog.

Tinker · Tweet this Post! #1 27th January 2009, 21:49

Did anyone see it? BBC Monday 26th.Made interesting watching! 3 chasing people for what they called 'unpaid bills' and it turns out everyone had paid their bills! Although that didn't stop 3 paying another company called Lowell to chase up the debut for them! Even made one guy's credit rating default because of it!

Can't wait to cancel my contract in September!

Jay3gsm · Tweet this Post! #2 27th January 2009, 21:56

I had a letter from a collection company a few weeks ago, who were collecting on an account on behalf of Three that I closed nearly three years ago! There was loads of hassle when I closed it, but I could show from bank statements that all my minimum payments for the duration of the contract had been paid, and the extra they were collecting was for a three month period after I had cancelled the contract. I thought it was all settled the last time I had to go through this hassle, so I was bloody annoyed to get another letter just recently, after such a long time.

I phoned the collection agency, put them right on the facts and the matter now lies with them! It's not the first time I've been hassled for line rental after closing a contract either, O2 are still claiming I owe line rental for a period after I closed an account with them too. The thing is you phone these people and tell them that and they are so belligerent and difficult.

getti · Tweet this Post! #3 27th January 2009, 22:25

can be found on iPlayer here

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...og_26_01_2009/

Riathor · Tweet this Post! #4 27th January 2009, 22:44

One of my friends had a similar experience getting non stop calls regarding unpaid bills.

I'm sick of three too and cant wait to cancel my contract early next month. I tried to end my contract early last week and they made it virtually impossible, I know networks make a last minute attempt to retain customers with attractive offers but this guy wasnt taking no for an answer and was giving me the hardest sell I've ever heard. After 20 mins of saying no he finally gave in, now when I confirm it the next time to get my PAC code I'm not expecting to get that with much ease.

MarkJ · Tweet this Post! #5 28th January 2009, 01:49

Sorry to see that Three seem to still be doing this. I had similar problems with them (one of the reasons I won't touch them now).

Left them after everything was paid up and done with for a contract I took out when they first started really (was one of those huge LG flips with the twirly camera

).

Had confirmation everything was sorted in writing and everything. Then 3 years (yes, years makes you wonder if they took inspiration from the company name lol) I started getting letters from a debt agency, for an outstanding amount owed to 3 for over £300. Was shocked to say the least, it also left a default on my credit rating. Was a total ballache to sort out as well as a long time had passed.

It really doesn't help when customer service is based abroad in these types of situations, as the people at 3, could not understand what I was telling them about it, they understood the English, but not what I was actually saying.

Took several rather stern letters from a solicitor to their UK address and to the debt agency to get it sorted.

Whenever I need to cancel something now, even if they try and give me the hard sell, I just say i'm moving abroad, that usually shuts them up (I also say i'm doing that whenever I buy anything these days, puts a stop to them pushing insurance/extras/free broadband).

getti · Tweet this Post! #6 28th January 2009, 07:44

same happened to me about 2 years ago when i got a letter from a collection company saying i owe 3 £150 from my first contract

mcgrad · Tweet this Post! #7 28th January 2009, 09:17

Biggest mistake i have made in my mobile life was to PAC into 3.
Poor coverage, dropped calls, calls that won't connect and CS that don't listen and can't help all go to make 3 the worst network i have ever been on, by a country mile.
I'm going to take out a new contract, forward my 3 number onto my new contract, and sit the 3 contract out.
I rue the day i ever joined 3....Never again.

Jackdaniels · Tweet this Post! #8 28th January 2009, 09:27

Was very impressed with 3 when i initially joined last year but over the last few months i have found them to be extremely difficult and the changes to some of their policies are bordering on ridiculous. I seriously doubt i will renew my contract with them.

sando · Tweet this Post! #9 28th January 2009, 10:20

I took out a 3 contract - was that the worst decision ever. I'm a sane normal person but their CS nearly pushed me over the edge, refusal to listen, arrogance you name it, as for the service - dropped calls, 1 minute billing... where do I stop.

I actually told their CS rep that I hated their company and had made it my mission to put off as many people I knew from having anything to do with them. As of now I've persuaded several individuals and at least one company from going anywhere near them.

Their practices are bordering on the criminal... Rant over.

Ms Frost · Tweet this Post! #10 28th January 2009, 11:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riathor

After 20 mins of saying no he finally gave in, now when I confirm it the next time to get my PAC code I'm not expecting to get that with much ease.

Good luck with that. When I terminated my contract last year, I insisted they gave me my PAC code there and then. Was really glad I did as I seem to recall someone else got 3 to agree to terminate their contract early but when they called back to get their PAC code, 3 claimed there was no record of their agreeing to terminate their contract early.

I saw the program on Monday too and was really glad to have seen it as I was mildly playing with the idea of taking out a new contract with 3 (taking advantage of their £9 a month contract). Obviously not going to be doing that anymore!