[Resolved]  Global Direct/vodafone — Selling Vodafone Sim with fraudulent claim

Dear Sir/Madam,

This is with reference to three SIM cards of Vodafone received by me viz. [protected], [protected] & [protected]

On 13th August 2008, a Global Direct representative Ms. Sheetal came to my house with a unique offer.

I was told that if I pay Rs. 900/- immediately, I would be getting free itemized billing on three my existing BPL phones for 1 year. Plus I was offered three free Vodafone SIM cards for which I was assured there would be no billing for one month. I was reluctant to take the Vodafone SIM cards since I did not want additional phones. Ms. Sheetal lured me into the offer by reassuring that I don’t have to pay anything for the connections as it was all covered under Rs. 900/-. I paid the amount for which I was given a Global Direct receipt (Number GD-NK-1851). Please find the receipt attached.

After a few days another person from Vodafone came with a form to be filled. In the form, it was mentioned that I would be billed Rs. 130/- per SIM card. I refused to sign on the form. A few days later, I received a call from Ms. Sheetal urging me to take up the offer as it was free. I told her clearly that I would not be interested to pay even a single rupee for Vodafone connections. She reassured me that Rs. 130/- was covered under that Rs. 900/- already charged to me.

After repeated assurances, I agreed to sign on the form. Ms. Sheetal then requested that I should use all the three Vodafone connections atleast for 10 minutes on the same day. I was reassured that there would not be any billing for first month.

However, after one month, I was surprised to receive a bill from Vodafone. I immediately stopped using all the three phone connections and tried calling Ms. Sheetal. However, she remained uncontactable. SMSes sent to her went answered. I visited Global Direct and was asked to contact her Manager Mr. Naveen Khanna, but even he did not respond.

I have been receiving calls from Vodafone and every time, I made it a point to explain the entire case to the person calling me. However, today afternoon, I was shocked to receive a legal notice sent through advocate Harish S. Gore (Ref: Vel-bd/dec08/saiB/B/HG/1974 dated 9th December 2008).

I am writing to you highlight this fraudulent activity. I am willing to pay for any mobile bills charges that I have made, but I would first like to have Rs. 900/- refunded back to me and appropriate action taken against Global Direct, Mr. Naveen Khanna and Ms. Sheetal for misleading innocent customers. Mr. Naveen Khanna’s contact number is [protected] and Ms. Sheetal’s contact number is [protected]

Kind Regards,
Adarsh Hoizal
[protected]