Company Policy

In the last two months, I've listened to a lot about company policy, usually from the banking industry.

Today, following my correspondence with them, I discovered that T Mobile have a policy not to deal with bankrupts and so they are closing my account.

I also discovered that they would not consider me for a contract telephone account for a period of six years.

I can't really say anything bad against T Mobile perse. They were very polite and professional and gave me a few hours before switch off, to transfer numbers off the SIM and to let people know that number was being switched off and they are not asking for their 6 month old Motorola V3i back either. They are also writing off last month's charges which to be honest they don't have to.

Because I didn't owe them any arrears at the time of my bankruptcy, it was not necessary to list them on the court's paperwork as a creditor. It was my choice to write to them.

So, whilst I would not encourage anyone to employ devious tactics, if you need your mobile and can pay the monthly bills, whether you tell the service provider or not as to your bankrupt status is your decision.

On another subject, it's quite evident to me, that the communication within large companies is poor to say the least.

I have been chased by at least two creditors since my bankruptcy. One of those had been informed both verbally and in writing, that I was about to go bankrupt and as they were declared on the list of creditors, would have heard from the Insolvency Service.

In another case, I received a call from a poorly trained cretin who it transpired worked for a debt collection agency. In cases such as this, you should send immediately a copy of your bankruptcy notice and refer them to the office dealing with your insolvency.

These so called agencies are the vultures of the finance world and will employ all sorts of tricks to get you to make a payment. A few weeks before my bankruptcy, I had one actually pretending to be the credit card company, but her inexperience got the better of her and I politely told her where to go.

I have had reason to talk with the person who will deal with my bankruptcy for the period I remain undischarged, on more than one occasion. The people at the Insolvency Service, are switched on and are more than helpful.

A snippet of imformation I picked up was the fact the only utility company they will write to regarding personal bankruptcy, is the water company.

I was made suspicious, when I started getting water bills (yes, more than one) despite having paid six months in advance when I was made redundant.

Why electricity and gas companies aren't included I have no idea. also, I did not list the water people as a creditor, because like I say, I had paid the bill up to October this year.

I will take again, the opportunity to remind you as reader, that these notes are based on MY personal experiences and you may find regional differences or where your circumstances alter how you are treated.

I would like to report that I have found a bank who will offer facilities to the undischarged bankrupt, but at the time of writing, I think I would be better employed walking round a rocking horse factory with a bucket and spade.