Contracts

A mobile phone contract is the same as any other contract for goods and services, and gives you the same rights. Generally you can’t just cancel your contract because you don’t want it anymore!

If you want to end your contract, you have to check first that it allows you to do so. If it does, you may be charged – the details will all be in your contract.

There may be some circumstances where you can end it free of charge – the best thing to do is speak to someone at your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau (you can find your nearest office from the Citizens Advice Scotland website). There is loads more information about mobile phones on the Citizens Advice Bureau’s Adviceguide  It also covers a number of areas such as what to do if your mobile breaks, or if you want to sell it on to someone else and even the law relating to driving and using a mobile phone.

What If My Mobile Phone Is Stolen?

There are ways that you can protect your mobile phone, or at least to make sure that if it is stolen, the thief can’t use it! If you have the option to have passwords on your phone to access different things then use them! Also, write down the phone’s unique identifier (it’s called an IMEI number- type *#06# into your phone and it will be displayed, it’s a 15 digit number).

If your mobile is stolen, make sure you tell both the police and your mobile phone company as soon as you can. If you have a contract, the company will be able to disconnect your phone so that you don’t end up paying for calls made by whoever stole it! You might still have to pay line rental though – this will be in your contract.

You can register your phone at the Immobilise website which is a free service, where you can report the theft or loss of your phone or other personal possessions. The police can use the site too, to give you your possessions back if they are recovered.