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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

What’s the worst that could happen?

47 replies

AnnFamily1 · 31/08/2023 19:43

Sibling wants me to take out a mobile phone contract in my name as their credit rating is bad. WWYD?

I don’t want to, feel unable to say no.

OP posts:
Step5678 · 31/08/2023 19:44

Say no. Just no. There's a reason their credit is bad; presumably the don't pay the bills.

Totaly · 31/08/2023 19:46

You are responsible for paying the whole bill and they don’t pay you back. You can’t end the contract and you can’t get the phone back.

Tell her they turned you down.

Ascendant15 · 31/08/2023 19:46

Say no.

Hesma · 31/08/2023 19:46

NO, NO, NO! You will end up responsible for their payments when they don’t pop at so unless you can afford to lose hundreds just NO!

thistimelastweek · 31/08/2023 19:46

The worst that could happen is they don't pay up and your credit rating is fucked

MissAmbrosia · 31/08/2023 19:47

No - they can get PAYG.

autumnjumper · 31/08/2023 19:47

‘Sorry no’

coxesorangepippin · 31/08/2023 19:48

Er, say no?

Winnading · 31/08/2023 19:49

I can only imagine just how much you would end up paying.

How much is the contract? How long locked in for (usually 18 months or two years) so its £ times months, how much is that? Insurance? What if sibling wanted to upgrade in a year which is fairly standard, would you end up paying more for even longer?
Can you just buy them a cheap phone? No one needs an iPhone, it's nice to have one, sure, but need, no.

Just for info I pay five quid a month for my service and bought my own phone.

Original poster
AnnFamily1 · 31/08/2023 19:56

It would just be in my name and they would pay monthly

OP posts:
andrainwillmaketheflowersgrow · 31/08/2023 20:02

Nope. Nope. Nope.

If they don't pay, you're stuck with the bill.

Hbh17 · 31/08/2023 20:04

Of course you mustn't - you'll get landed with a massive bill, because they won't pay you. Just. Say. No.

Motherofalittledragon · 31/08/2023 20:06

Definitely not, if they don't pay you are stuck paying their bill.

thistimelastweek · 31/08/2023 20:07

AnnFamily1 · 31/08/2023 19:56

It would just be in my name and they would pay monthly

And if they default on the payments it's in your name.

Your responsibility.

MajesticWhine · 31/08/2023 20:14

If you want to help, lend her the money for a second hand phone and she can get PAYG - then your credit score is not at risk.

Diamondsareforeverandever · 31/08/2023 20:22

No. Send them over to giffgaff or cash converters.

Destiny123 · 31/08/2023 20:44

Smarty is 5quid for 4gb data unlimited text/calls and just comes out as a rolling debit card payment no credit checks

Purplecatshopaholic · 31/08/2023 20:47

If you don’t refuse to do this, then - sorry - but you deserve all you get when they don’t pay op… Say No.

Caterina99 · 31/08/2023 20:52

Surely there’s a reason their credit rating is bad?

The worst that could happen is they don’t pay and you are stuck with the contract in your name. And your own credit rating impacted due to them not paying.

Direct them towards payg

Winnading · 31/08/2023 20:55

AnnFamily1 · 31/08/2023 19:56

It would just be in my name and they would pay monthly

I mean no snarkyness, but yes we already figured that out.
The main point is how much you will be on the hook for?
Can you afford it if sibling doesnt pay?
How long will you be on the hook for.

The shorter response is just say no.

AtrociousCircumstance · 31/08/2023 20:57

You would be an absolute fool to agree to this.

It’s also an important learning opportunity - that sometimes you have to put doing the right thing in front of just pleasing people for an easy life.

Zanatdy · 31/08/2023 20:57

If you trust they will pay you every month then say yes. Even if they lose the phone on month 2 and still have to pay the contract for the rest of the contract. If you’ve got some reservations about that, then say no sorry

AnneLovesGilbert · 31/08/2023 21:02

AtrociousCircumstance · 31/08/2023 20:57

You would be an absolute fool to agree to this.

It’s also an important learning opportunity - that sometimes you have to put doing the right thing in front of just pleasing people for an easy life.

Yep

ApocalypseNowt · 31/08/2023 21:05

I watch Judge Judy. This is a definite nope.

LakeTiticaca · 31/08/2023 21:06

No absolutely not. Its unlikely to end well. If they default you will be responsible. Just say no.