Trying to Leave Virgin - Not Going Too Well...

[djbenson]

I recently switched my Grandads telephone service from Virgin Media to BT. Everything seemed to go well and the transfer happened on the 31 August.

Things have now started to look decidedly dodgy and I need some advice. I've already penned a letter but wondered where I stood legally on this;

He has received a bill for line rental for the period 01-31 October 2011 despite the service terminated on the 31st (I could see them charging for September but not October).

On challenging this, it has come to light that apparently, there are charges for a set top box dating back to 2005 which was "never returned".

A couple of points;

When I lived at home, I had cable TV and broadband but paid my own bill - nothing to do with Grandad - he has never had digital TV nor broadband

I cannot specifically remember returning the box but I do know it is Virgin's responsibility to collect it and also believe there is a "reasonable" amount of time within which they must collect the equipment (6 years is not reasonable)

I want to help him as much as possible because I know Virgin and their tactics - they have caused my years of grief (but I stick with them because they are the best at what they do) so am throwing this open to your advice.

[Tim Deegan]

In my experience keep calling them until you speak to someone in the UK, rather than India. Then ask for the complaint to be escalated to a manager in complaints. Tell them what you have said in your post, and threaten them with Ofcom.

[New to cable]

Ask them for proof an attempt to collect the box was made and if they can't prove it and you still have the box charge them storage at £3 a week for 7 years lol.