TalkTalk - Ending the contract

[ostell]

I've mentioned elsewhere that my sister in law cancelled her TalkTalk contract in February and last week received a letter from TalkTalk demanding money, and not an insignificant amount, to be paid within 7 days. I advised her to write back repudiating the debt and if they wished they could provide an itemised account.

Yesterday she had a letter back from them saying that the amount was her final bill (though no other details). It also demanded that because of the data protection act she needed to supply other details about herself so that they could write back to her.

I will be advising her to write back again and say that she does not supply personal details to others when there is no need then point out that they have already written to her twice using the information they already have. The final point will be that if she doesn't hear from them again within 7 days then she will assume that the alleged debt did not exist and any further letters will be charged at £20 each.

Might suggest that they go away and actually read the Data Protection Act.

Any other suggestions?

[ostell]

Re: TalkTalk - Ending the contract

Well TalkTalk have written again, and emailed about the alleged debt. The letter still does not supply the requested information about the alleged debt and continues to request the same personal information again, also adding that they are a large company and it is safe to send them personal information as they are good at handling it. Oh Yeah? Probably as good as them getting their customers accounts correct.

Now emails have started to arrive asking when the debt will be paid. Response to the email will be to ask them stop sending letters and provide details of the invoice for the disputed debt. Also said that a charge of £25 would be made against them for having to handle any more letters. Also added that the amount being requested did not bear any relation to the original monthly charge. And finally: if the requested information was not received within 14 days then the matter would be considered closed.

Good fun.

[CleverClogs]

Re: TalkTalk - Ending the contract

Why not refer Squawk-Squawk to OFCOM?

[ostell]

Re: TalkTalk - Ending the contract

The latest email to them has been copied to OFCOM. It WILL be reported to OFCOM formally if this silliness goes on much longer.

[ostell]

Re: TalkTalk - Ending the contract

My SIL didn't send the email I suggested that should have been copied to OFCOM. They still didn't provide her with details of the debt and appeared to have forwarded it to a debt collection agency, though I suspect it may be an "In House" collection department

I was on holiday in France while this was happening and my SIL paid the money, plus an additional charge of £30! Paid because she didn't want the hastle!

As yet I haven't seen the paperwork but will when we next go to see her. I just hope she hasn't thrown it away during her house move.

I will be forwarding to OFCOM in the first instance. I've sent details to the Guardian money people.

Any suggestions of any additional actions?

3 weeks between initial demand and debt collectors!!! They're taking the mick!

[ostell]

Re: TalkTalk - Ending the contract

Never dared raise the question of those bills with SIL BUT I found this web page which says it all