I don't think we've been paying our phone bills, but phone company haven't noticed.

[PhoneIssues]

Whilst sorting out my Direct Debits with the bank, it came to light that my mobile phone company has not been collecting the DD's for my phone or DH's phone since October 09.

I have spoken to customer services at the phone company a lot recently and have just renegotiated a fantastic new contract. Nothing has ever been said about the bill being unpaid. Sothe phone company must assume it's being paid.

I can't think why these DD's have not been going out. The bank say it is nothing to do with them.
I am wary of informing the phone company immediately because I don't want to receive a £400+ bill!
We've used the phones, and don't begrudge paying for what we have used, but really don't want to pay a huge bill all at once.

So who is a fault and where do I stand?

Hope someone can help!!

(Apologies for multiple posts, but I wasn't sure where to post this!)

i would say it would be the phone company's fault if the direct debit has been still left active but they havent collected the payments. i would tell them asap though as as you say there is a possibility of £400+ bill so the company would think better of you owning up to the bill and maybe work out an arrangement where you pay a small amount off a month or something. it is a tricky situation as you could be seen as dishonest by the company if you dont own up but if you do you may have a massive bill to pay off!!

still...better to be honest though

oh yes, I'd be honest.
But if they have mucked up then I really resent having to pay a massive bill. We'd have a terrible summer holiday, no money at all!

You are liable if you've been using the phones and/or the contract is ongoing but you should be able to negotiate smaller payments if you can't afford the whole lot in one go.

If you're not going to tell them but wait for them to notice, it would be wise to start putting the money aside now every month so at least you'll be able to pay some of it off in one go. Better to try and sort it out now though.

The direct debit is still active. Can they try and take the whole lot that way?

I am going to inform them, I don't condone stealing at all. But it's their fault, and I cannot believe they have not noticed!!

Problem solved!

After trawling through all the bank statements, armed with a highlighter pen, we discovered that the money is being taken, but as a "Payment" not a "Direct Debit".