WHEN Nowra man Trevor Dale accidentally broke his mobile telephone in August 2012, little did he know it would lead to a battle over alleged outstanding payments that would last more than two years.
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Six months into his contract with Telstra, Mr Dale’s flip-top mobile phone was broken in his pocket as he sat down.
“The phone was virtually useless,” he said.
Mr Dale, who suffers from a heart condition, diabetes and asthma, returned the phone, which he purchased on a $49 plan over 24 months, to the Shellharbour Telstra shop.
“I was informed the phone was not insured,” he said.
“I swore it was insured but was told there was nothing they could do for me.”
Around that time he moved to the Shoalhaven and also unsuccessfully tried to get a resolution at the Telstra store at Stockland Nowra.
Soon after Mr Dale received a phone bill for $300.
“There was no way I could have made $300 worth of calls,” he said.
“You couldn’t read the screen to make SMS let alone figure out what phone number you may have called.”
He refused to pay the bill, stating he hadn’t made the calls.
Following numerous calls and correspondence with Telstra he was issued with a $1358.07 bill, which included an $800 cancellation fee.
“They offered payment plans to pay the full amount, which I felt was unfair as I hadn’t been able to use the phone or make calls,” he said.
“After that I dumped Telstra, like anyone would.
“From late 2012, early 2013, I’ve had debt collectors calling. Sometimes up to three or four times a day.”
Mr Dale continues to refuse to pay.
“I’ve been threatened with being taken to court. I’d love to go there and let everyone know what has actually happened.
“I think I’m on to the third different collection agency now.
“I suspect Telstra has sold the debt onto someone else.”
A Telstra spokesperson said the company has a standard credit management process that had been correctly followed in this case.
“Our records indicate all charges were legitimate,” the spokesperson said.
“Our credit management policies for accounts that are outstanding are consistent with industry standards.
“We also offer options to customers who are suffering from genuine financial hardship, through our Financial Hardship and Access for Everyone programs, to help people stay connected.
“We encourage customers to contact us as soon as possible should they have problems paying their bill.”
