Virgin Media accused of signing up pensioner for TV contract without permission

'I've heard of a hard sell, but that takes the biscuit'

A Burton pensioner has blasted Virgin Media after claiming they signed him up for TV and phone services without his permission.

David Cooper, 68, was at home in Wood Street, Burton when Virgin Media were installing cables nearby.

Mr Cooper got talking to a salesman who was discussing the company's current deals.

He said: "Virgin Media were putting new cables in last week and I had a salesman knocking on the door.

"He said they were installing cables and asked if I wanted to use them instead of my current (phone and TV) provider.

"I apologised and explained that I already have existing contracts for my phone and television.

"He asked when they would run out and I told him April.

"He gave me a card and said he would be in touch in April to see what he could do for me.

"I thought that is fair enough. I gave him my name and he knew my address because he was at my door.

"I thought that was the end of it."

Later in the week, Mr Cooper was shocked to receive a letter from Virgin Media telling him they had set a date to install his new TV and phone lines.

He said: "I couldn’t believe it. The letter had an account number they had set up for me without my say-so and an installation date set conveniently for April.

"I have heard of a hard sell, but that takes the biscuit.

"I thought I was just being cooperative and polite. Some people might shut the door in salesman's face, but I was trying to be pleasant and honest about the fact I am already in a contract. I heard him out."

After the Burton Mail contacted Virgin Media for a response, the salesman returned to Mr Cooper's house and apologised for what he described as a "miscommunication."

Mr Cooper said: "The same salesman came to apologise and said 'I am sorry if you misunderstood, but I was just trying to save you money'.

"I said 'I want it cancelling because I never agreed to anything'.

"What annoyed me most was that he set this account up off his own bat.

"It is the cheek of it. I know I am a pensioner, but I do actually go and shop around and it's my decision who I use.

"Luckily I wasn't stupid enough to give them my bank details, but what would have happened if I didn't call and complain about the letter?

"Would they have just turned up in April?

"This has caused a lot of hassle and I don’t want it to happen to anyone else."

A spokesman for Virgin Media, said: "Due to some miscommunication between a member of our sales team and Mr Cooper, Virgin Media can confirm that his account has been cancelled.

"We apologise for any confusion and inconvenience caused."