I enclose a copy of a letter written to TRAI, copy to Vodafone for information of all concerned.
Dear Sirs,
I recently purchased a Vodafone Prepaid connection (No.8879804368), and I wish to complain about their Unfair Trade Practices in contravention of your regulations as under:
Vodafone Shop at Churchgate insisted that Charge my phone with about Rs.600 to get a new connection despite my reservations. To become a Vodafone customer, one has to pay over Rs.600 upfront incl. taxes! Is this not against TRAI Rules?
Yesterday I received an SMS from them that Rs.5 was deducted by them towards a Daily Lottery scheme, without my confirmation, and that this would be continued daily till I discontinued the same by sending an SMS.
When I protested to their Helpline at 198, I was assured that this would be discontinued for my account, and my money would be restored in my balance. I even received SMSs to this effect.
But, I found that no refund was made and contacted them again. They now informed me that this money could not be refunded.
This is an insignificant amount, but for Vodafone the revenues would be large considering their database.
My complaint to you is on three counts:
A. How can Vodafone conduct online lotteries without license?
B. How can Vodafone charge a customer without the customer's specific request?
C. Why does Vodafone send such SMSs to customers like me who have opted for DND (Do not Disturb).
I request you to take action against Vodafone and FINE them for each infringement and see that I am compensated for such harrassment.
Thank you.
