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Mobile phone users are falling prey to rogue salesman who cold call customers and trick them into switching to expensive long-term contracts against their will.

The process known as “slamming” involves switching customers to a different network or expensive long – term contracts against their will. The salesman often promises a free phone upgrade or discounts. The customer thinks that this is no strings attached but then discovers that they have been locked into a contract. The industry regulator OFCOM has received a large number of complaints about the practise over recent months and is believed to be working with the Office of Fair Trading in an effort to clamp down on these firms who switch customers without their consent.

Have you been called out of the blue by a salesperson claiming to represent your network? Have you been the pestered by of one of these rogue salesmen? Email Us to let us know!

What to do if you are rung up out of the blue by a sales agent?

• Most sales companies don’t know who they are calling as they use automated equipment that dials numbers randomly.
• Never disclose your name, address, or account number to someone who calls you, regardless of who they say they are. Without the information they cannot amend your contract without your consent.
• Tell them straight away that you are not interested – if you show the slightest interest they will continue to pester you.
• If you are slammed you have seven days to terminate the agreement under OFT regulations. Don’t sign to receive a phone sent to you without your agreement and keep a copy of all paperwork.
• If the mobile phone company tries to bully you into paying bills for a contract you did not agree to stand your ground – Call and explain why you will not be paying and ensure that any direct debits are cancelled. If they threaten debt collectors, do not be intimidated. If it goes to court they will have to prove that you agreed to the “new contract” which they will be unable to do.

Ways of spotting rogue sellers:

• Ask for a contact number to call them back. Rogue sellers will often not do this.
• If they represent themselves as being from your network ask them for something only your network would know such as your password or last bill amount
• Tell them you will be recording the call – many mobile phones can do this now. Even if your phone can’t record. This will generally scare them off from attempting to slam you or taking the conversation any further