Tesco Mobile Network....a Word To The Wise

[janzman]

...Three years ago I had a sim only contract with Tesco Mobile. For reasons that don't matter here I went over to Virgin Mobile. I now want to return to Tesco, all's well so far.

I visted my local Tesco Phoneshop and filled out all the info required to set up my new contract. At the last minute their system said 'we cannot verify your details'. It was suggested the fault lay with the system and to try later.Two days later I tried again withe same result and again a week later still.

At this point let me emphasise that all my details given now are exactly the same as three years ago when I was a happy Tesco mobile customer.; so why are my details not able to be verified?

I phoned Tesco Customer Service and my assistant tried yet again with same result and suggested I try a different card. This I did with same result, 'details cannot be verified'.

Then at some point in our head scratching discussions she ask me if I was on the 'Electoral Register' I said I was and suddenly I had a Eurika moment. You see, I don't use my first name, I go by my middle name. BUT and here's the point, on any official paperwork such as the Electoral Register I am listed by my first name. One more try using this name and bingo, my application went straight through and Tesco Mobile Account set up and running.
Tesco Mobile had introduce this further check between my contract three years ago and now.

I don't know if other phone providers use the Electoral Register as a security check but if they do and any of you have had this same experience as me, maybe this is why your 'details could not be verified'.

I hope this is of help.

[scooping]

My pay as you go Tesco mobile deal is fantastic. Put £10 on, get triple.

[murraymints]

hmmm... interesting..bit Big Brother !

[ummmm]

When I tried to apply for my photo driving license it just wouldn't accept it. I'd lost my paper one years ago. What I didn't remember was the original had my middle name on it and I was trying to apply with just my first and surname.

[Prudie]

When I upgraded a phone even with though my current provider I had this issue. their (Vodafone) records didn't match with my bank. It was a simple as one had the house name as well as number and road and the other just had number and road.