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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Nephew has taken a mobile contract using my address!

19 replies

whydoibothersometimes · 08/12/2013 20:16

My nephew had a parcel delivered a few weeks ago, didn't think much of it as he lived with us for 8 months and moved out about a month ago...thought maybe he didn't want to get it delivered to his shared accom..would have appreciated being asked first tho. He came over today and opened it...an iphone4S!! A contract phone. AIBU for making him leave without it, after telling him I think it is completely unacceptable to do that at 17 and using my address which will badly affect my credit when he doesn't pay his bill!! Also, does anyone know if I can call the service provider and explain that he isn't old enough to enter a contract and get it cancelled and sent back!?!

OP posts:
DejaVuAllOverAgain · 08/12/2013 20:18

YANBU No idea about the contract though.

Misspixietrix · 08/12/2013 20:19

YNBU. I would return it.

NigellaLaw5on · 08/12/2013 20:21

If the contract isn't in your name then it won't have any effect on your credit file if the bill isn't paid.

foreverondiet · 08/12/2013 20:21

Was your address just the delivery address? Or did he use your address as his permanent billing address. If the later, then YANBU (without checking with you) however as its been in your house for a few weeks might be too late.

re: credit rating - are you sure it makes a difference. I ask as we live in a rented house and always getting letters from bailiffs about previous tenants but doesn't seem to affect our credit rating.

whereisshe · 08/12/2013 20:21

It's in his name, why would it affect your credit rating?

AdoraBell · 08/12/2013 20:22

I would return it either stating at he has done this knowingly or simply -Not Known at This Address. Depends on your relationship and How you want it To progress.

CogitoErgoSometimes · 08/12/2013 20:23

Are you certain he won't pay the bill? The only way you'll get the service provider to cancel is probably if you say he's taken it out semi-fraudulently using a fake address/age. Otherwise you're up against Data Protection. Does your DB/DSis know this has happened and can they take responsibility for making sure he doesn't default?

ImaginativeNewName · 08/12/2013 20:24

Everything else aside, it is not possible to "blacklist" am address anymore as credits scores are linked to individuals rather than addresses so it won't negatively affect you but rather follow him iyswim so long as you don't have any linked finances with him.

DoJo · 08/12/2013 20:24

It won't affect your credit rating, but it is still rude to do this without asking. Is he just using it as a delivery address to ensure that it comes to a safe place? Has he changed his bank details etc to his new address, because if not then some companies will only ship to a billing address.

gamerchick · 08/12/2013 20:26

It won't affect your credit rating as it's not tied to your house anymore. But that doesn't stop debt collector's.

whatever5 · 08/12/2013 20:27

I don't think that he can have a mobile phone contract if he is under 18. He must have said that he was over 18.

I don't see why it would affect you though. I would stay out of it.

CoconutRing · 08/12/2013 20:33

He can't sign a contact. He is 17. Did he have a guarantor? Did another adult sign for him? If not, write to the provider and state that he is underage. They should rescind the paperwork as there cannot be a contract. Send the phone back recorded delivery. Keep copies of your correspondence. This will not affect your credit rating. Your nephew may be investigated for fraud if he lied about his age.

Original poster
whydoibothersometimes · 08/12/2013 20:33

He has said he just forgot to change his bank billing address..but I know he is being evasive in saying that because I know he wouldn't be able to get a contract to the address he lives at (well pretty sure) as it is shared accom for under 25 waiting to be housed by council. He has told me that it was actually his friend that went into the shop pretending to be him...although that story is a huge grey area as none of what he is saying is adding up!! I thought it would affect my credit rating as he will show up as living at my address obtaining credit...,I'm not hundred per cent sure on that...my DS died when my DN was very young so I am as such his guardian, and I very much feel like a role model to him which is why I feel so strongly that I don't want him to fraudulently take out a mobile contract (he knows he shouldn't have it) plus, if he knows he's doing something illegally I just can't stand by and turn a blind eye.

OP posts:
CoconutRing · 08/12/2013 20:37

It won't show up on your credit rating because he can't get credit because he is 17. Smile

KungFuBustle · 08/12/2013 20:39

Unless it's in your name it won't affect your credit.

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 08/12/2013 20:39

Credit doesn't go off addresses anymore if I remember rightly, yours won't be effected unless he took it out in your name which obviously he didn't

But that's not the point, it's still not on. I'd be wanting to find out how it happened though

DoYouLikeMyBaubles · 08/12/2013 20:41

And addresses can't be blacklisted, so it's perfectly plausible that he did get it from his address

Original poster
whydoibothersometimes · 08/12/2013 20:43

I meant Dsis

OP posts:
XmasLogAndHollyOn · 08/12/2013 20:46

Tied to a house or not. If he runs up a debt and doesn't pay it off, it would be your door that people come looking for money.

I'd be pissed off too and yes, I'd expect it to go back to the shop.

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