Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

This happened too my twice..

several months ago I was paying £125 month for:-

£125
XL Broadband
1 TV Drive
1 Digi Box
Top TV package Movies ETC.
Cable Phone + phone int, mobile etc, call reject (pesky cold callers)

My Friend said to me "Why are you paying that much! I have 2 V+ and pay
less"

So I looked into it and yes!! I was paying too much, an offer was available
and was never given to me, "a valued customer since the very start of
cable?" (old analogue brick).

His package which I swopped too.(a HUGE saving I was not told about)
£85 (called VIP)
XL Broadband
2 TV Drive
Top TV package Movies ETC.
Cable Phone + phone int, mobile etc, call reject (pesky cold callers)

Again last month I thought I better check my Bill too see if I could save
some ££££,

I looked on the Virgin Media Website and too my HORROR....

XL Broadband & Cable Phone was on offer £31 when I was paying £37 for XL
alone...

I phoned and asked why I was not given the offer, I was told "We have only
so many phone operators and did not get chance to phone me," WTH?? This
offer was an ongoing offer..

I canceled my TV service and took the XL and phone for £31 a month combined
I was disgusted.

I got a phone call asking why I was canceling My TV and when I explained
and I was told because I have BB and Phone I get FREE TV, 1st cable box as
a free view box for free, I then asked how much to keep 2nd box on free TV
with pause rewind functions. I was told as an offer £9.50 (which I worked
out cheaper than buying a free view+Hard disk tuner over 2 yrs), So I said
yes.

So I have given up my movies (which I didn't watch much) and now have:-

£40.50p
XL Broadband
Cable Phone (no extras)
2 V+ (Free TV) with pause rewind etc.


I went to my brother in laws house and he is on 2mb, I asked how much was he
paying?

and OH! boy is he P****D....

he is paying £18 a month for 2meg when it's advertised on the Website as
£4.50
he is paying £11 a month for a standard cable phone (BB & Phone £29 a month)
He is paying £5.50 for a Digi box on Free TV, This is supposed to be free
with phone and BB

I can say he is not happy,,,

Is this standard policy for Virgin Media to take as much Cash as possible in
the hopes that VALUED customers don't read or query their Bill and get
RIPPED off????

all I can say is..

WHAT A CROCK!!!!!

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

New offers are not offered to existing customers thats not how it works. As an existing customer you have to stay on top and look for the offers or get loyalty discounts.

Your bills were correct its just you had not applied for the VIP pack . Also note new deals means a new contract I take it you were no longer under contract

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Your Wrong (but also correct)

Why can my mobile operator adjust my monthly Tarrif according to my usage to get me the cheapest charges for that month and when my 12 month contract is almost up I get a call offering me cheaper tarrifs to stay.

Why Virgin media is taking £5.50 for my Brother Digi box when it's policy for how long?? that it's free with phone and BB.

I saved £40 a month going to VIP, and the 2nd time I was being ripped off for £17 a month on my BB alone.

My brother as I type this is paying £18 a month for an Advertised £4.50 for his BB.

Contract or not, you are allowed to change tarrifs and This is unfair.

I feel Virgin just HOPE customers just don't check thier Bill, how many others are still paying not just a couple of pounds more but like me a LOT of money.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

you have to be on the deals to get the deals the new deals involve a new contract. I will not argue about it being unfair course it is all im saying is its upto the customer to ensure he/she gets the best deal its how it works in a capitalist culture. The billing systems are automated it would involve massive costs to go through every customers bill call them tell them about better deals and these cost would mean higher bills. I still get paper bills and new offers and flyers come with these bills so you do kinda get told about them

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

if what you say is true ??

Why has my Mobile phone operator not gone out of buisness???

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

I would hardly say it is being ripped off. You agreed to those prices when you first took out those services. VM have just kept everything as it is.

Yes there are new packages available at certain times, and if you call up they will ususally switch you onto them. It isnt VM 's responsibility to check your prices with the newest offers etc. You get a bill every month telling you what you are paying for, and it is not very difficult to check on the website what the current offers are.

Does your bank automatically change your mortgae onto a promotional offer with lower interest rate? Or does your gas company automatically sign you up for e-billing to give you a discount? They send information in the post (unless you have requested not to) and it is up to you if you want to change

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Well according to the Virgin Media TV advertisments and my mobile phone operator pricing policy. I would dissagree.

It's upto Virgin Media to offer me better deals, not me to do the leg work.

I pay them, They do not pay me.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

So in all this time are you saying you have never seen an advert, in a mag or newspaper or through the post from Virgin that advertises the VIP package.
I dont think its up to virgin to keep you informed of all the new deals, its up to you check them out.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

You don't seem to understand how the majority of UK businesses work these days. They are there to make money from their customers. They do not tell you about better deals - it's up to you to find out and negotiate.

It is good that you have found one business, your supplier of mobile phones, that does different. That is a reason for you to stay with them - perhaps! They could be fleecing you compared with other suppliers by giving you their best deal at any time which may be double the best deal elsewhere.

Take off your rose-tinted glasses and go elsewhere than Virgin Media if you are unhappy with how they are dealing with you as a customer. Maybe the grass will be greener elsewhere - that is a chance you will have to take.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

I see this thread has been already hijacked by Cable fans....

have fun giving excusses as to why i have been RIPPED off no matter what you say.

ty. bb

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

No its been hijacked by reasoned debate. Easy mistake though.:erm:

Did you agree the price you were paying before? Did you ever call up and request to change a package?
Before i get accused of being a 'cable fan' do sky automatically adjust people's package to new promotional offers? Ive not heard of them doing that.

Ive not seen the VM advert that says they will change your package without any request to save you money.

Your right you pay them for the services agreed by you. Why would they want to reduce the amount of money they make unless the revenue is threatened (i.e you request to cancel) or you request it. It wouldnt make financial sense to especially since the competition doesnt offer this and pricing is not their unique selling point.

I think what's really going on here, is you were happy paying your hundred odd quid a month, until you realised there were others paying less than you. How about taking some personal responsibility, put it down to experience and in future keep a closer eye on what you pay and what offers are available?

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

wake up and smell the coffee.

you have not been ripped of. The deals on offer are all available at virginmedias site. All special offers are sent to customers as mailshots and are on billboards all over the country. Add to this the extensive add campaign with uma last year and there is no shortage of information about any offers

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

No I haven't. But I do get them ringing me up once a month trying to get me to switch my phone from BT to them. The conversation normally goes "For just £2 a month we can offer you free calls at evenings and weekends", Me, "I already have them, but I mainly phone foreign countries", "Which ones?" "Russia", "Well for just £1.50 calls to Russia are only 19p a minute". "Oh, it only costs me 2p a minute, but a 5p connection charge". There is normally then a long silence, or "Where do you get that from?". I reply "I use Call18866". To which I have had the reply, "Must give them a call". That always ends the sales talk.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Im not a hijacking cable fan. Who is your mobile provider? T mobile? if so the flex plans are sold to do what you say yours does as im sure your tarrif is sold to do what you say it does. VM do not sell a service and say they will alter your account depending on what you use etc they sell you a package you agree and pay the costs. You then have to option later to change your package which you have done

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Did you ever think of asking them "I don't want what you are offering but is there anything else you can do?"

It is all about engaging in dialogue

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

No way. If they want to sell me something it had better be by post. I rarely have the time available when they phone me at work, and at home I find it intrusive. I am not the worst person to try and telephone sell to, that would be my wife, but if I want the service I am savvy enough to go out looking for it. Not rude or obnoxious, but curt, I am pretty sure I never signed up for their marketing department contacting me.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

I wish they would contact me every so often with offers, been with them years and the only way I keep up to date is with this forum :(

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

hi it appears you issue is sorted, however your brother would need to have been a new customer to have bbnd for £4.50 with telephone line, otherwise he can have free tv, 2mb bbnd and telephone line for £20. he jsut needs to ring 150 from his phone and state that he wants an offer on his account.

hope this helps:)

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Sorry but your wrong :D

I got the offer but did not qualify for the 1st 3 months at half price as I was an EXISTING CUSTOMER. plus the offers are in the "Just for Customer, Special offers"

I dropped my package to the phone and XL BB offer £31 a month and free tv on
2 v+ boxes.
I was told my 1st box is free and my 2nd box will be £9.50 (to keep pause
function)
I was Billed £46
I phoned up as to ask why ? when promised £40.50p
I was told I was give the information mistakenly and it IS £46
So I said "So I'm paying £15 a month for pause functions?" I was told Yes!..
So I said ok remove my 2nd box, and upgrade my 1st box to "Large tv
so £31 for phone and £11 for one V+ on Large package £42 a month,
I was put on hold, then 2 mins later, "I cannot put you on the package as
you have to pay a £75 fee for the box"
I said "You want me to pay you £75 so you can charge me £42 a month ???"
i was told "Yes"

I then contacted disconnections and have Sky+ being installed This Monday
comming. for £17 a month with free installation and Free Sky+ box.
I went and bought a thompson 160gig Free view PVR for upstairs £80 and have
had enough of VM.

My Brother in law was paying as of 2 days ago
£18 for 2mb BB
£5.50 for a normal Digibox on FREE TV.
£11 for phone.
£3 for internet Security

He phoned and said he wanted the Digibox removed and he wanted the 2mb bb and phone (with internt Security) offer £15.50 for 12 months.
He was told "NO, this offer is not available" even though he was looking at
the "Just for Customer, Special offers" page online with the price of £15.50
looking at him.

He then ask for disconnections who phoned him back and gave him the deal as a ONE TIME SPECIAL OFFER for him ONLY as to keep his custom even though anybody right now can get the offer off the webpage.
QUOTE:- This is in the "Just for Customer, Special offers" web site.
"Ultra-reliable broadband that starts from £4.50 a month - If you take our
great value, flexible phone service. There are 3 options to choose from - up
to 2Mb, 4Mb and the UK's fastest, 20Mb. All delivered by fibre optic cable.
Plus there are no boring download limits and you get free internet security
chucked in."

Broadband Size: M and Phone Size: M bundle: Broadband Size: M (up to 2Mb) is
£4.50 a month and Phone Size: M is £11 a month for the first 12 months,
which is £15.50 a month. After 12 months, the standard bundle price applies,
which is Broadband Size: M (up to 2Mb) for £9 a month and Phone Size: M for
£11 a month, which is £20 a month. Offer ends 30th April 2008.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Have you a got an actual link for this "Just for Customer, Special Offers" page?

The only page on the website that has the £4.50 offer is this one http://allyours.virginmedia.com/html...t/bb_deal.html

which states on it:

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

It's a bit misleading actually...

On the front page clicking on Special offers in the Just for Customers section takes you to a page with two tabs; 'Thinking of joining us?' & 'Already with us?'. Already with us just has the Virgin Mobile offers. The TV/Phone/IBB offers are for those people thinking of joining VM....

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

You see the £10.00 a month for the 1st 3 months ????

I did NOT qualify for this as I am an existing customer.

So I said "OK", take it out and I'll have it re-installed!!
I was told "OK, but there is a £30 installation charge"

that scuppers that saving..

hope this clears it up for you, the only for new customers problem you seem to have..

thanks.

as the above post states, Yes i think it is missleading and possible the offer is only open for customers outside of thier minimum 12 months, I don't know as myself and my brother in law have had cable since the old analogue brick and 56k modem internet :D

but it was clearly stated to me that I was not allowed the £10 saving each month as I was an existing customer and only new customer could get that saving.. but the actuall bundle saving is open to everyone....

A more CLEAR pricing policy should be presented and not the confusing state at the moment.

But I stand by my statment, VM rip you off for as much ££££ as possible until you actually notice you can save money with a phone call, the best example is my brother in law paying £18 a month for 2mb when the offer is £4.50 and the NORMAL price is £9, even without the offer he was paying £9 a month more than he should and thats not mentioning the fact he was paying £5.50 a month for a Digi box on FREE TV... VM take you for what they can until you notice...
How many customer out there are paying WAY over the odds just because they use Dierct Debit and dont read their Bill.



Up to 20Mb service


No download limits
PCguard Total - Protect your PC with anti-virus, firewall & pop-up blocker
A modem to connect you to the internet
Help when you need it, online and on the phone
Download a music track ◊ in under 2 seconds


£10.00 a month for first 3 months
Then £20.00 a month after that.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Eh?

First you are going on about the £4.50 broadband deal and now you are going about the XL broadband for £20. which one is it?

Oh and existing customers can get either BB M and phone for £20 or XL broadband and phone for £31 as long as they add either the phone if they already have the broadband or the broadband if they already have the phone.

It is the only the limited half price reductions that are for new customers to both services

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Wrong,,,
1st I was on about the 20mb for ME(BB and phone package £31)
and then the £4.50 for my brother in law..(BB and Phone package £15.50)
hard to read ??????

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

yes actually

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Hmmm,,

I read this back myself,, seems pretty clear to me....

but it was clearly stated to me that I was not allowed the £10 saving each month as I was an existing customer and only new customer could get that saving.. but the actuall bundle saving is open to everyone....

A more CLEAR pricing policy should be presented and not the confusing state at the moment.

But I stand by my statment, VM rip you off for as much ££££ as possible until you actually notice you can save money with a phone call, the best example is my brother in law paying £18 a month for 2mb when the offer is £4.50 and the NORMAL price is £9, even without the offer he was paying £9 a month more than he should and thats not mentioning the fact he was paying £5.50 a month for a Digi box on FREE TV... VM take you for what they can until you notice...
How many customer out there are paying WAY over the odds just because they use Dierct Debit and dont read their Bill.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

That is much better.

And by the way your brother wasn't being ripped off.

the £5.50 he was paying was for the ntl Starter/Select pack which was part of a ntl deal for 3 for £30 for 12 months (after which it went to 34.50)

The select pack has more channels in it than the TV M (the free tv) and less channels than TV L. It was withdrawn from new sale when Virgin was launched.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Ben, in my and others experience VM do not do dialogue, they " TELL " a customer what is going to happen either by letter relating to a product said customer does not have with them or by text.

Dialogue is a two way agreement.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Really? In my experience its the opposite, of customer calling in saying i want X, Y, and Z or im going to cancel etc etc

Obviously there are certain situations where VM will have to tell customers information (I assume you mean the Virgin Mobile minutes rolling over by text?) They couldnt call every customer every time there is a change of terms and conditions, have a chat with them and see if they would like the new ones or the old ones.

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

No, he means this http://www.cableforum.co.uk/board/59...r-service.html

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

The more I read the more confused I get as to what people are meant to be paying for their services

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

Or even what services customers have Jules, I am told by them I have a telephone account, I do but its with BT :erm:

Re: Rippoff Virgin ??????
 

I cancled my TV with VM due to getting charged Diff to what I was promised..

Also getting charged a £10 late payment Fee as I was told last month not to pay that months Bill as I would be in credit. So I did'nt pay last months, but I did phone them March 6th (£36 in credit and unable to pay anything) and again March 26th (Still £36 in credit and was unable to pay even the service charges, I was told payment would not be accepted by the system as I'm I am currently in credit and a DD was Due April 16th anyway) I did get the £10 refunded after calling 150 today when I read my Bill.(on my next bill)

about confusing...... here is This months Bill...


Your Bill 25 March 2008

Page 1 of 5

Balance Brought forward £114.02 (I can confirm I am Currently still £36 in credit according to 150)
Service Charges -£47.43
Telephone Usage Charges £5.71

Page 2 of 5

Balance Brought forward £114.02
Previuos Bill Balance £104.02
Payment Details £10.00
Tue 25Mar Late Payment Charge £10.00

Page 3 of 5
Total Service Charge £-47.43

Refunds and Adjustments -£388.43
Goodwill Gesture 27 Febuary -£20.00
Cust Rel TV Goodwill 29 Febuary £5.00
Cust Rel TV Goodwill 6 March -£200.00
Cust Rel TV Goodwill 7 March -£100.00
V+ Offer 11 March £100.00
V+ Offer 11 March -£100.00
Partial Months Service 29Feb-12April -£63.43

Advance Charges

Telephone Line Rental 13 April - 12 May £11.00
Phone and BB Bundle Saving 13 April - 12 May -£9.00
XLBB Saving 13 April - 12 May -£8.00
V+ Box 13 April - 12 May £10.00
Add Set Box(es) Discount 13 April - 12 May -£10.00
Broadband Size XL 13 April - 12 May £37.00
TV Size : M 13 April - 12 May £0.00
1 Additional Converter 13 April - 12 May £15.00

Other Charges

Payment Handling Charge 6 March -£5.00
V+ Install Fee 6 March £150.00
V+ Install Fee 6 March £150.00

Total Telephone Usage Charges £5.71
Call charges £4.86
VAT £0.85