Brent v Tiscali

brent27 · 21st December 2006, 19:40

In 2005 I had the unfortunate experience to deal with this most appalling company Tiscali. The customer service was an absolute disgrace. Having changed my ISP to BT in December 2005 I had assumed that was the last I would have to deal with Tiscali. Not so.

Today I received another bill from Tiscali for £32.00 almost one year on. This charge was heavily disputed by phone back in December 05 and I was assured by customer services I would not be charged. I requested a letter to confirm the conversation (s) however I never received it and left it at that.

Because Tiscali never answer emails, charge, and make you wait to speak to a representative, I just cannot be bothered to deal with these people. IMO they are not to be trusted.

My only concern is that knowing how Tiscali operate, this matter will probably be taken further and could affect my credit rating. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

120805 · 9th April 2007, 01:04

Hi,

Just wondering how you are getting on with your problem now? I have a similar problem with Tiscali and I was thinking about sending a CCA. Whats your thoughts on this?

brent27 · 9th April 2007, 10:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by 120805

Hi,

Just wondering how you are getting on with your problem now? I have a similar problem with Tiscali and I was thinking about sending a CCA. Whats your thoughts on this?

My case is still ongoing. Having yet again contacted Tiscali Customer services, and left waiting another 40 minutes (at national call rates) on hold, nothing was resolved. I have since written to head office, however the reply received completely ignored my previous conversations/correspondence. Tiscali (imo) are on a par with Lowells DCA with regards to unethical behaviour on consumer rights issues.

According to the received statement, my account was switched from Tiscali late 2005 yet was re-opened again approximately one year later where monthly call charges were added. Tiscali are now collecting on those charges without providing an explanation for those charges. No doubt if i had moved address during that period I would have been none the wiser to an outstanding debt, and more than likely Tiscali would have sold the debt to a DCA and my credit score damaged. Having conducted some research on Tiscali I notice I am not alone. Tiscali could be the most despised company in the UK and rightly so.

With regards to requesting a CCA that would depend on the circumstances, i.e. has the debt been passed onto a debt collection agency, and if so when did the debt occur? If the answer is yes and the debt over six years (and you have never acknowledged the debt) I would ignore. if the answer is yes and the debt under six years then a CCA may be worth considering simply to buy time. Six years (non acknowledgement) is the key. If it is Tiscali chasing the debt then I offer you my sympathise. The only practical advice I can offer you is to stop wasting your time & money emailing/phoning customer services as your complaint will be ignored. It is important therefore you write to head office and keep a record should the matter end up in court. Regards.

ladybird17 · 9th April 2007, 10:49

How can a CCA request help ?- ISP's don't give credit

buzby · 9th April 2007, 13:48

I'm assuming by CCA you mean Subject Access Request...?

brent27 · 9th April 2007, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by buzby

I'm assuming by CCA you mean Subject Access Request...?

I had assumed Tiscali like many ISP's issue a line of credit to new customers, and that any subsequent debt would subject to the terms & conditions contained within the CCA.

ladybird17 · 9th April 2007, 19:35

no they don't offer credit - you don't sign a credit agreement with them.
In the case of Tiscali - & I assume all ISP's are the same, they invoice you for a service, much as utility companies do.

brent27 · 9th April 2007, 19:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by ladybird17

no they don't offer credit - you don't sign a credit agreement with them.
In the case of Tiscali - & I assume all ISP's are the same, they invoice you for a service, much as utility companies do.

I stand corrected said the man in the orthopedic shoes.

ladybird17 · 9th April 2007, 20:08

buzby · 9th April 2007, 20:14

I agree it is not clear, and easy to make an assumption, but in legal terms, 'credit' is tightly defined. A bit like a 'Default' which has a legal significance in the court process, but the DCA'a & suppliers have their own 'default' and are doping their level best to have them treated in the same way.

ladybird17 · 9th April 2007, 20:16

Good Lord, Buzby, don't tell me DCA's are now resorting to "doping" people!! I'm hoping you mean doing!!

buzby · 9th April 2007, 20:21

I stand corrected!

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