{"id":115814,"date":"2025-12-11T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-12-11T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/?p=115814"},"modified":"2025-12-11T12:36:01","modified_gmt":"2025-12-11T12:36:01","slug":"lewis-alert-the-mobile-bill-mistake","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/en.econostrum.info\/uk\/lewis-alert-the-mobile-bill-mistake\/","title":{"rendered":"Lewis Alert: The Mobile Bill Mistake That Could Wreck Your Credit Score"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The issue stems from confusion over what customers owe when leaving the mobile provider. While O2<\/em> claims to have communicated clearly, Lewis argues that many are being misled into paying full handset costs unnecessarily. For some, the resulting charges have reached several hundred pounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Price Hike Prompts Wave of Exits and Billing Confusion<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

In early 2023, O2<\/em> imposed mid-contract price hikes affecting up to 15.6 million<\/strong> customers<\/a>, increasing some charges from \u00a31.80 to \u00a32.50<\/strong> per month. The company stated the changes were in line with terms and conditions and allowed customers to leave their contracts penalty-free. However, according to Lewis, \u201cmuddled messaging\u201d has caused widespread misunderstanding about how this exit process should work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speaking on ITV\u2019s The <\/em>Martin Lewis Money Show<\/em><\/strong> Live<\/em>, he said: \u201cDid you ditch 02? I’ve talked about it a lot on this show because I was annoyed about it after it hiked its price. If so, <\/em>check your final bill<\/em><\/strong> hasn’t got hundreds of pounds extra added to it.\u201d<\/em> He noted that many viewers had contacted him claiming they were being charged exit fees or asked to repay their device plans in full, charges they may not legally owe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to O2<\/em>, customers were informed of their right to cancel<\/strong>, and the operator insists it complied with Ofcom regulations. A company spokesperson said: \u201cWe have been fully transparent about this change, which equates to an extra 2p a day, writing directly to customers and providing the right to exit without penalty if they wish, in line with existing rules.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nonetheless, the distinction between cancelling airtime (SIM) contracts and continuing handset payments appears to have been misunderstood by some. Lewis clarified that customers could continue to pay off their devices in instalments and only needed to end their SIM agreement if they wished to leave.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Impact on Credit Scores and Recommended Next Steps<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the immediate financial cost, there are broader implications for those affected. Lewis warned that wrongful charges could lead to negative entries on credit reports<\/strong>, which might in turn damage a customer\u2019s ability to apply for loans or mortgages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The financial expert urged anyone who has recently cancelled with O2<\/em> to take several steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n