SCAM WARNINGS

Moblie Phone Scams
Beware of rogue sale-persons
Residents are advised to be aware of mobile phone offers from rogue firms and individuals acting independently from the well known brand names. They give the impression that they represent a brand name when, in fact, they do not. Many residents has been accosted on the streets of Neath town centre with offers to change their phone or their service provider.
Another scam is a telephone call that gives the impression that it is from the company that you have an account with. One of the first questions asked is if you are happy to remain with the same company (giving the name of firm). If you answer 'yes' it is recorded and taken as an indication that you want to proceed with the deal they are about to make.
We think it wrong that established phone companies allow these subsidiary firms to act on their behalf in this manner. One resident tells us he was disconnected as a result of one such deal which involved a so called updated phone that was never delivered. 
Remember that these are cleverly trained sales people who avoid telling you the name of the company they represent - and that it is easy to be conned by them. No signature is required for the deal - just a verbal 'yes' to a question that is cleverly asked.
What is more annoying is the fact that these subsidiary firms (what we call rogue firms) are paid commission by the phone companies to sell phones. When the transaction is done, the rogue firm hold the 'deeds' of your mobile phone number for the duration of the contract, which is usually for 18 months. During this time your phone number is tied to them whether you like it or not. This applies independently to the account with your service provider to whom you pay your monthly bills.
It's time this minefield was sorted out and a stop made to people being tricked into an upgrade (which is sometimes a phone not so good as the old one) that they did not really want. It is particularly annoying to anyone wanting to keep the same mobile phone number, which is controlled by an unwelcome third party on a so called contract basis. 

Submitted by Rhiwlas Neighbourhood Watch 8.3.10