Victim of 'Phone slamming' ?

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http://www.ofcom.org.uk/media/features/Slamming

I never heard of the term 'phone slamming' before today, I received a letter through the post from BT telling me that I'm transferring my phone-line to another company and the transfer will be complete on the 6th of oct, which would be fine if I actually requested a transfer :confused:, I rang them and they told me I've probably been 'phone slammed', which apparently means that a company has tried to transfer my phone-line without my permission.

Is this quite common ?, anyone else been a victim of 'phone slamming' ?
 
Yep I've already made a complaint to ofcom providing them all the details, whether something comes of it though is another matter, if any of you guys have been victims of this scam then you can make a complaint to ofcom here - http://www.ofcom.org.uk/complain/landline/slamming/?itemid=285618, after a bit of googling I've found out that BT are trying to put pressure onto ofcom to make it so that phone company's require a pin similar to a mac-code to transfer your phone-line, hopefully this will get passed.
 
Probably. And I bet the signature looks nothing like the OP's.

Actually they don't, apparently from what I've read all they need is your verbal consent, your telephone number and postcode.

This is why BT are trying to get ofcom to change the regulations to that you need a tranfer code simular to a broadband Mac-Code to transfer your phone-line, see here,

http://www.broadbandgenie.co.uk/bro...ofcom-to-put-an-end-to-telecom-slamming-scams

BT calls on Ofcom to put an end to telecom slamming scams
Monday 28 September 2009

Internet service provider and phone operator BT has launched a campaign in conjunction with Trading Standards Institute calling on telecoms watchdog Ofcom to put an end to the barrage of telecom scams which cost the consumer £40 million last year.

Ofcom is being urged to install a process which will prevent customers becoming victims of fixed-line phone mis-selling scams as well as providing more advice for consumers on avoiding scams.

According to the watchdog approximately one in forty UK households (half a million) fall victim to mis-sellers every year. That's enough to fill Wembley Stadium nine times. Most of these are tricked by mis-selling over the phone using “slamming techniques”. Here, consumers are switched to alternative providers without them knowing. Subtle persuasion is used to achieve this and a customer signature can be obtained if they are convinced they are signing paperwork supplied by their current provider to obtain more information on a service.

BT is proposing Ofcom enforces a pin code system, meaning if consumers wish to switch phone companies they will need to ask their existing supplier for a dedicated number. Similar to a MAC code, this is a process that's already proved successful with broadband services.

Speaking on the suggestion, Ron Gainsford, chief executive of Trading Standards Institute (TSI), said: “We're very much in favour of the telecoms industry adopting the consumer protection pin code system. We believe that it will stamp out at source the sort of rogue trading practice that has been plaguing telecoms consumers for more than five years.”

John Petter, managing director of BT's Consumer division, added: “We need to slam the slammers. The process we're proposing will put an end to mis-selling misery for good, protect consumers and safeguard fair competition. Ofcom's own data shows a consumer protection pin code would eliminate mis-selling.”
 
[Rant/]

**** **** and ****, BT couldn't stop the transfer in time and now I have no phone line and BB is apparently going to be cut as well, so ****ing annoyed, my line has been transferred to another company and BT don't even know who that firm is and neither do I :mad:, they said I'll probably receive a welcome pack soon ffs, a welcome pack from who ? ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH.

[/rant]

Sorry guys just had to get that off my chest.
 
Ill bet its carphone's "talk talk" thats stolen it. I know 3 people who have had the same happen after buying a mobile phone there.

I imagine its done on one of the things you have to sign for the phone contract ( that people dont read ) and the person behind the till just puts a tick in the "change my home phone as well" box to get some commission.

I read somewhere on a forum that one guy had them do it after he heard his gf give a guy at the door their home phone number, he got up and raced to the door and told the guy to get lost. A week later they had the same happen!

It really is ridiculous that there is no check done with the bill payer before the process can be completed.

Be prepared for a lot of hassle. The company who did this will probably attempt to ask you for money soon enough, and when you try to move back they will demand payment for the remainder of the ( usually 1 year minium ) contract!.

Who is your BB with now? as they will also want the remainder of any contract paid up once they find out.

Also when you try to switch back to bt they will start asking for reconnection fees and a minimim one year contract and so on.... and be prepared to explain the ENITRE story to each and every drone on the helpline.

Keep us updated with whats going on and good luck.

I'm with BT for BB as well so hopefully that will make things a little easier, I am a little worried that they will get me to sign up for another years contract though as I only had a couple of months left on mine, and also I hope I get to keep the same telephone number, that is a big concern as I've had this number for over a decade now, anyway I'll keep this thread updated as I go, I'm waiting for BT to get back to me now on my Mobile.
 
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