Using false details to register phones

Mr Burns

What would happen if one were to give bogus name and address details to obtain free credit etc. Would the networks come after you? Have they any way to verify the details?

Is it legal to have an anonymous phone?

BrianD

Its not illegal to have an unregistered phone. Tehnically it would be fraud to provide a false name and address while claiming credit. Doubt if they would be pusuing you for it though.

Our man in Havana

I have found it impossible to buy a phone from a shop without giving a name and address. Must be some policy of the networks?

John R

It is a policy of practically all big retailers now, they use every opportunity to extract personal info that they use to track, market and sell on to others.

Random

If they discover that you've given them false info, they can technically take the phone back from you. May even involve the law...

Our man in Havana

ciaranfo wrote:

If they discover that you've given them false info, they can technically take the phone back from you. May even involve the law...

Under what law? Esp if you have paid for the phone.

Pythia

Well the reason my shop asks for a name when selling you the phone is nothing to do with the networks. It's so that we can quickly look up your details if you come back in looking for something (like you want to send the phone away for repair, return the phone, check if it's still in warranty etc...)
It has nothing to do with registering details with the network.
It's not illegal to have an unregistered phone but the networks like everyone to be registered. For a start, if you're not registered, some one else can ring up, quote your number, then change things about your account or even register it in their own name. Also if it turns out you've been making malicious calls from that number, if you aren't registered, there's basically nothing the network can do.

Our man in Havana

So one is completley within their rights to refuse such requests for info?

seamus

Bond-007 wrote:

So one is completley within their rights to refuse such requests for info?

Of course.
The shop does have the option of refusing to sell if you don't comply however.

The Corinthian

Bond-007 wrote:

So one is completley within their rights to refuse such requests for info?

Yes. However, I would expect legislation though appearing on this in the next few years, as the present anonymity of prepaid phones is open to a lot of potential abuse by either criminals or terrorists.

Our man in Havana

seamus wrote:

Of course.
The shop does have the option of refusing to sell if you don't comply however.

And hence the purchaser gives the shop any old made up name and address. It just seems all big brotherish.

Random

Bond-007 wrote:

Under what law? Esp if you have paid for the phone.

Obtaining something under false pretences or something...

Read the contract, it says that the phone proberly remains the property of them xxx