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AIBU?

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To think my elderly DM is being scammed via O2?

111 replies

head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:28

DM is in the UK and I am overseas. We normally talk for free over WhatsApp. She was in hospital a couple of months ago and couldn't get anyone to help her connect to the internet, so she was using her normal mobile phone service with O2 to call me and send texts. This left her with a bill of £1,700 for the 2 weeks she was in hospital.

Since she has been out of hospital, she has been using WhatsApp again. However, she just received another O2 bill for £4,200!

We can't get through to anyone to help. Mum doesn't have an online account so the phone is the only way to contact them, but no one is answering.

She is also randomly getting bills from Talk Talk, who she doesn't have an account with. My only thought is that they have bought out Shell Energy who she used to have her internet with, but I can't confirm this.

Something is up and I need to get to the bottom of it. Mum is getting so distressed about it all. I think she is being scammed as none of this makes sense. AIBU and can anybody help? Thanks.

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MarmiteWine · 29/09/2024 08:47

I can confirm that TalkTalk have taken over the Shell Energy broadband accounts.

Has she had itemised bills from O2?

head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:47

Thanks @SocksAndTheCity, that's one mystery solved!

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SocksAndTheCity · 29/09/2024 08:46

The Talk Talk bills are correct if she was using Shell for broadband; I think they switched over two or three months ago.

I've used O2 for years and never had difficulties with the customer service either?

head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:44

@anniegun but she's been out of hospital for 6 weeks and the bill has almost trebled since then!

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anniegun · 29/09/2024 08:43

o2 charge 6p per text and 19p per min for overseas calls. You can probably work out from your end if this adds up to the time you have spent talking to her

head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:39

@CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair I've just called them again and all I get is an automated service with no option to speak to a human.

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head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:38

@Lemons1571 they will just cut her off and she will have no phone.

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CultureAlienationBoredomandDespair · 29/09/2024 08:38

Something’s definitely not right but are you sure you’re trying the right numbers for O2? I’ve spoken to them quite a lot recently and they always answer.

Lemons1571 · 29/09/2024 08:35

Cancel the DD and wait for them to contact her?

head2toeinuniqlo · 29/09/2024 08:31

@fourelementary no, she's housebound.

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fourelementary · 29/09/2024 08:28

Can she contact citizens advice locally and see someone face to face?