most mobile phone stores have introduced a pre check system in areas with high rates of never pays and fraud.

My store has this in place, and even with AVS checks (the ones with debit or credit cards only) this ensures that identity theft does NOT happen.

I feel alot happier only showing my bank card rather than passport utility bills etc. utility bills are worthless, easy to scan and fake.

I got turned down by 3 for a contract a while ago for some reason. I wanted a Nokia N95 8GB on a £35 p/m contract and this chap did the first part of the credit check and it came back in an instant as a credit risk. I asked if he was joking as I know I have a brillant credit record and have been told by several companies. Stormed off feeling rather insulted and went over to O2 and within 10 mins walked out with said Nokia N95 8GB on a £35 p/m contract.

To add insult to injury, I have been a 3 customer twice before.

Thanks again for your reply.That explains alot.

As a customer it makes me feel unsecure on how easy it is for someone else to take the contract these days. It is defintaely in the best interests of the company (as it always is with mobile phone companies) that they make it less hassle for them to get new customers.

One thing is that this issue has made me more cautious and alert.

They do not require any other forms of ID, just your valid credit or debit card. It’s that simply, or that scary, one of the two. They cross reference your details with a credit search and verify it with the one off payment from you card. Obviously the card needs to be registered in your name and at your current residence. If it all adds up you get the phone contract. I remember they require your signature to be exactly the same as that on the card but that’s the only real check they carry out.

I’m pretty sure, like you, as a customer it’s a bit worrying how easy it has become. But as a business they just want contracts signed up as quickly as possible, whatever the risks.

Thanks for your reply.

For the examples you used , did they require any documentation?

I have also taken out a contract with Phones4u, but they did require a few documents for verification. 3 did not require any documents for proof of ID.

I support the fact that Phone companies should actually ask for photo id and adress verfication.

Cheers

This way of verifying your details has been used by a number of outlets for a couple of years. I know Phones 4 U have used the system for a while. I believe the check involves taking a small payment from you account and when they do this it cross checks your name, address and possibly some other details. With chip and pin it is fairly secure but where there’s a will, there’s a way and nothing is 100%.

I popped into a 3 store few days ago, and asked them what I needed to get a new contract.

They said the only thing required was a debit or credit card and no other papers. I dont know how effcient this system is, but will this give rise to theft, ie people taking out a contract using someone else's card and details?

Everytime I took out a contract, a photo id was required and bills with my name and address were required. But I was wondering is this system by 3 , in thier outlets a good thing.

Thanks beforehand for your comments.