Dead Mate - Anyone here work for 3 (Phones)

paulmellers · 26-06-2006, 22:30

One of my best mates was killed just before the weekend, but he has left a pin protection on his phone. It's a pay as you go moterola from 3. The problem i have is, he was killed in france and we would like to get the numbers off of his 'phone so we can tell friends and family that don't know (And who's numbers only he has) that he's dead. The problem is, those callous people at 3 want to see a death certificate before they will give me any information about his phone (like the PUK code to get into the phone - the pins we had didn't work). The peoblem is, is that won't be possible until at least after the funeral, and i think his other friends that i don't know would like to attend. What can i do? Does anyone here work for 3 that can help? The just seem to not care. I spoke to one guy, and he said well if you could just put the account holder on, then i can help you. At that point i burst into tears and said "he's dead you thick c###! What other options are there?

potatolegs · 26-06-2006, 22:33

I'm sorry I can't help but just to offer my sympathies.
That is terrible.

chris2k2 · 26-06-2006, 22:36

Sorry about that Paul, I can't help either.

How did he die?

There used to be a member here called Joe_M he used to work for 3 before being made redundant, so maybe you could pm him.

paulmellers · 26-06-2006, 22:36

Weird - he's the only person i've cried over too, but it's a catch 22 with the death cert and them.

Edit: Thank you for your sympathies by the way.

He died parachuting in france.

chris2k2 · 26-06-2006, 22:38

How well do you know your friend's details, maybe you could try being him.

It may not be much help, but I blocked my sim once on o2, and it took it to the shop & they unlocked it.

Try going into an 3 shop possibly.

Counld it be possible your friend has stored the numbers into the phone not the sim?

Collette · 26-06-2006, 22:39

Could you try putting the sim card into another phone if it's just the phone that's pin protected? Then at least you could get the numbers off it.

I can sort of understand why 3 won't give you that info - for all they know you could be trying it on having got your hands on someone else's phone (I know you're not but they have no real way of knowing that unfortunately).

ull_lad · 26-06-2006, 22:41

Hey Sorry about your friend, i new a few people who worked at one of their call centres and they didnt seem to care either. Cant you take the phone to a makret or somewhere like that to see if they will unlock it. I know there are people in the market near me that will unlock phones no questions asked for a small fee.

Hope you get it sorted soon.

paulmellers · 26-06-2006, 22:43

Your both right, i'm going to try the 3 shop option, i don't think there are any dedicated "3" shops, their website just says a load of comet type shops. The phone will only take 3 sims,so i'v got to find a 3 sim in the hope that the numbers were on the phone. I'll do battle tomorrow. Thank you for your help.

Sir Chasm · 26-06-2006, 22:48

I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate.

blueblade · 26-06-2006, 22:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by paulmellers

One of my best mates was killed just before the weekend, but he has left a pin protection on his phone. It's a pay as you go moterola from 3. The problem i have is, he was killed in france and we would like to get the numbers off of his 'phone so we can tell friends and family that don't know (And who's numbers only he has) that he's dead. The problem is, those callous people at 3 want to see a death certificate before they will give me any information about his phone (like the PUK code to get into the phone - the pins we had didn't work). The peoblem is, is that won't be possible until at least after the funeral, and i think his other friends that i don't know would like to attend. What can i do? Does anyone here work for 3 that can help? The just seem to not care. I spoke to one guy, and he said well if you could just put the account holder on, then i can help you. At that point i burst into tears and said "he's dead you thick c###! What other options are there?

You have my deepest sympathy Paul.

I see you got the usual call centre crap from 3 !!!

Just wondering why you can't get a death certificate sooner.

Collette · 26-06-2006, 22:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Chasm

I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate.

No, I thought that too...

union_jak · 26-06-2006, 22:50

Hi Paul, sorry to hear about your friend, it's not anyone I'd know is it? (We were at Primary School together).

You could try going to a Superdrug, they have dedicated '3' sections, at least the one in Bognor does.

yorkiegal · 26-06-2006, 22:54

I'm so sorry for what's happened. I used to work in a call centre and i'd be furious if someone asked to speak to the account holder after i'd explained that they'd died. It may have been nerves on the agents part though. I know i'd always get a bit freaked by those sort of calls because i'd be so wary of saying anything wrong. Unfortunately they're just not allowed to give out the pin code. They get it rammed down their throats in training that they can be held personally responsible if they break the Data Protection Act.

the only thing i can suggest is that if the french police have been involved they could perhaps fax a request to 3 for that information. I know it works with the UK police when they send us a data release request form.

shambolic · 26-06-2006, 22:54

I think that the funeral directors that have been chosen, should have the death certificate sent to them, so maybe it's worth calling them to ask about it.

Last funeral I had to arrange was in 1999, but I remember they were extremely helpful in many matters.

Kiwi one · 26-06-2006, 22:55

I am so sorry. The only thing I can think of is to telephone the French Embassy and see if they can help. I mean the one in London. www.ambafrance-uk.org

26-06-2006, 23:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sir Chasm

I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate.

You can't, or at least a medical certificate confirming the person is dead.

Makes one wonder why there is no death certificate doesn't it?

A death must be registered within 5 days of death

Last edited by dawson : 26-06-2006 at 23:27.

paulmellers · 26-06-2006, 23:30

Just spoke to his parents, they have a death certificate soon if not imminantly, i don't want to bother them with too many formalities. My problem is now, to get it to 3 quick enough - i'll try a shop. Dawson, i can assure you, nothing sinister or odd, i'm just not well aquainted with the processes and there are somethings one does not mess with.

union_jak, i doubt it is someone you know, they're from cadets, but i'm trying to think who you are, PM to come.....

twingle · 26-06-2006, 23:32

I am really sorry about your friend. It is hard losing a friend as I know only too well but hope in time you are left with many happy memories

I think you will find that all company's would need a death certificate to release the sim. They are not just being awkward but they have a procedure to follow. I know hardly likely but there are sick people out there so they need proof that you are not mucking about and just trying to get info from your friend's phone or you have nicked it. Did they quote data protection act?

Kiwi one · 26-06-2006, 23:36

The fact that he died in France must make it more difficult for you and his family. Another thought popped in to my mind contact the Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk they could probably advise you as well.

Sir Chasm · 26-06-2006, 23:38

Perhaps documentation relating to the phone will be among his effects, and a PIN can be found that way

paulmellers · 26-06-2006, 23:38

unfortunately yes. one lady was giving me the PUK code which i still have, but for some reason the phones not accepting it. She transferred me to the PAYG people, and they refused to even confirm it unless the spoke to the account holder. I didn't know 3G could do video, tv AND seances. F##k me, i'd pay for that, and i don't even own a phone! Seriously i was just upset at the double standards. The woman knew i was for real and risked her job to help, the bloke was just a jobsworth.

Edit: thanks for your help guys, i'm going to bed.

Nighty Night

union_jak: just to say it's probably not someone you know but email me at www.mellers.co.uk

ImaPlum · 26-06-2006, 23:42

as other people have said, they were following procedure which is there for a reason. Sure its frustrating, maddening upsetting for you .... but their hands are tied, and rightly so I believe, until they are given proof of your right to the information you want.

ironflower · 26-06-2006, 23:43

can i ask why you have his phone and not his parents? maybe it would be easier for them to deal with this since they were his next of kin.

nightstar · 26-06-2006, 23:54

Sorry to hear about your friend. It's really down to his next of kin to sort this out as they will have the death certificate when it's issued. I'm sure others will get to hear before too long and I doubt if the funeral will be able to be arranged that quickly, as far as I am aware if a British person dies abroad and it isn't natural causes an inquest will have to be held here.

BoBaDoB · 27-06-2006, 11:14

again sorry to hear what has happened there, normally you can retrieve a puk without going through to cust services, surely they can reveal that information for you in the circumstances. can you not retrieve it through the automated ivr when you call through? i know you can from the vodafone one not sure about the 3 network tho. write to ofcom imo

26-06-2006, 22:30	#1
paulmellers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 1,674	Dead Mate - Anyone here work for 3 (Phones) One of my best mates was killed just before the weekend, but he has left a pin protection on his phone. It's a pay as you go moterola from 3. The problem i have is, he was killed in france and we would like to get the numbers off of his 'phone so we can tell friends and family that don't know (And who's numbers only he has) that he's dead. The problem is, those callous people at 3 want to see a death certificate before they will give me any information about his phone (like the PUK code to get into the phone - the pins we had didn't work). The peoblem is, is that won't be possible until at least after the funeral, and i think his other friends that i don't know would like to attend. What can i do? Does anyone here work for 3 that can help? The just seem to not care. I spoke to one guy, and he said well if you could just put the account holder on, then i can help you. At that point i burst into tears and said "he's dead you thick c###! What other options are there?

26-06-2006, 22:33	#2
potatolegs Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,602	I'm sorry I can't help but just to offer my sympathies. That is terrible.

26-06-2006, 22:36	#3
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	Sorry about that Paul, I can't help either. How did he die? There used to be a member here called Joe_M he used to work for 3 before being made redundant, so maybe you could pm him.

26-06-2006, 22:38	#5
chris2k2 Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2002 Posts: 9,347	How well do you know your friend's details, maybe you could try being him. It may not be much help, but I blocked my sim once on o2, and it took it to the shop & they unlocked it. Try going into an 3 shop possibly. Counld it be possible your friend has stored the numbers into the phone not the sim?

26-06-2006, 22:39	#6
Collette Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Schmocation Posts: 3,911	Could you try putting the sim card into another phone if it's just the phone that's pin protected? Then at least you could get the numbers off it. I can sort of understand why 3 won't give you that info - for all they know you could be trying it on having got your hands on someone else's phone (I know you're not but they have no real way of knowing that unfortunately).

26-06-2006, 22:41	#7
ull_lad Forum Member Join Date: Jan 2005 Posts: 179	Hey Sorry about your friend, i new a few people who worked at one of their call centres and they didnt seem to care either. Cant you take the phone to a makret or somewhere like that to see if they will unlock it. I know there are people in the market near me that will unlock phones no questions asked for a small fee. Hope you get it sorted soon.

26-06-2006, 22:43	#8
paulmellers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 1,674	Your both right, i'm going to try the 3 shop option, i don't think there are any dedicated "3" shops, their website just says a load of comet type shops. The phone will only take 3 sims,so i'v got to find a 3 sim in the hope that the numbers were on the phone. I'll do battle tomorrow. Thank you for your help.

26-06-2006, 22:48	#9
Sir Chasm Banned User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: everywhere and nowhere Posts: 3,569	I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate.

26-06-2006, 22:48	#10
blueblade Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Southern East Anglia Posts: 75,234	Quote: Originally Posted by paulmellers One of my best mates was killed just before the weekend, but he has left a pin protection on his phone. It's a pay as you go moterola from 3. The problem i have is, he was killed in france and we would like to get the numbers off of his 'phone so we can tell friends and family that don't know (And who's numbers only he has) that he's dead. The problem is, those callous people at 3 want to see a death certificate before they will give me any information about his phone (like the PUK code to get into the phone - the pins we had didn't work). The peoblem is, is that won't be possible until at least after the funeral, and i think his other friends that i don't know would like to attend. What can i do? Does anyone here work for 3 that can help? The just seem to not care. I spoke to one guy, and he said well if you could just put the account holder on, then i can help you. At that point i burst into tears and said "he's dead you thick c###! What other options are there? You have my deepest sympathy Paul. I see you got the usual call centre crap from 3 !!! Just wondering why you can't get a death certificate sooner.

26-06-2006, 22:49	#11
Collette Forum Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Schmocation Posts: 3,911	Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Chasm I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate. No, I thought that too...

26-06-2006, 22:50	#12
union_jak Forum Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Wherever Team Evo takes me Posts: 4,089	Hi Paul, sorry to hear about your friend, it's not anyone I'd know is it? (We were at Primary School together). You could try going to a Superdrug, they have dedicated '3' sections, at least the one in Bognor does.

26-06-2006, 22:54	#13
yorkiegal Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: beautiful York Posts: 18,061	I'm so sorry for what's happened. I used to work in a call centre and i'd be furious if someone asked to speak to the account holder after i'd explained that they'd died. It may have been nerves on the agents part though. I know i'd always get a bit freaked by those sort of calls because i'd be so wary of saying anything wrong. Unfortunately they're just not allowed to give out the pin code. They get it rammed down their throats in training that they can be held personally responsible if they break the Data Protection Act. the only thing i can suggest is that if the french police have been involved they could perhaps fax a request to 3 for that information. I know it works with the UK police when they send us a data release request form.

26-06-2006, 22:54	#14
shambolic Forum Member Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 220	I think that the funeral directors that have been chosen, should have the death certificate sent to them, so maybe it's worth calling them to ask about it. Last funeral I had to arrange was in 1999, but I remember they were extremely helpful in many matters.

26-06-2006, 22:55	#15
Kiwi one Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,105	I am so sorry. The only thing I can think of is to telephone the French Embassy and see if they can help. I mean the one in London. www.ambafrance-uk.org

26-06-2006, 23:07	#16
dawson Posts: n/a	Quote: Originally Posted by Sir Chasm I don't think you can have a funeral without a death certificate. You can't, or at least a medical certificate confirming the person is dead. Makes one wonder why there is no death certificate doesn't it? A death must be registered within 5 days of death Last edited by dawson : 26-06-2006 at 23:27.

26-06-2006, 23:30	#17
paulmellers Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Nottingham Posts: 1,674	Just spoke to his parents, they have a death certificate soon if not imminantly, i don't want to bother them with too many formalities. My problem is now, to get it to 3 quick enough - i'll try a shop. Dawson, i can assure you, nothing sinister or odd, i'm just not well aquainted with the processes and there are somethings one does not mess with. union_jak, i doubt it is someone you know, they're from cadets, but i'm trying to think who you are, PM to come.....

26-06-2006, 23:32	#18
twingle Forum Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Glasgow Posts: 16,266	I am really sorry about your friend. It is hard losing a friend as I know only too well but hope in time you are left with many happy memories I think you will find that all company's would need a death certificate to release the sim. They are not just being awkward but they have a procedure to follow. I know hardly likely but there are sick people out there so they need proof that you are not mucking about and just trying to get info from your friend's phone or you have nicked it. Did they quote data protection act?

26-06-2006, 23:36	#19
Kiwi one Forum Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 3,105	The fact that he died in France must make it more difficult for you and his family. Another thought popped in to my mind contact the Foreign Office www.fco.gov.uk they could probably advise you as well.

26-06-2006, 23:38	#20
Sir Chasm Banned User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: everywhere and nowhere Posts: 3,569	Perhaps documentation relating to the phone will be among his effects, and a PIN can be found that way

26-06-2006, 23:42	#22
ImaPlum Forum Member Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 1,541	as other people have said, they were following procedure which is there for a reason. Sure its frustrating, maddening upsetting for you .... but their hands are tied, and rightly so I believe, until they are given proof of your right to the information you want.

26-06-2006, 23:43	#23
ironflower Banned User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: amongst the daffs Posts: 1,761	can i ask why you have his phone and not his parents? maybe it would be easier for them to deal with this since they were his next of kin.

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Dead Mate - Anyone here work for 3 (Phones)

26-06-2006, 23:54	#24
nightstar Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: London Posts: 2,252	Sorry to hear about your friend. It's really down to his next of kin to sort this out as they will have the death certificate when it's issued. I'm sure others will get to hear before too long and I doubt if the funeral will be able to be arranged that quickly, as far as I am aware if a British person dies abroad and it isn't natural causes an inquest will have to be held here.

27-06-2006, 11:14	#25
BoBaDoB Forum Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Stoke On Trent/Staffordshire Posts: 1,556	again sorry to hear what has happened there, normally you can retrieve a puk without going through to cust services, surely they can reveal that information for you in the circumstances. can you not retrieve it through the automated ivr when you call through? i know you can from the vodafone one not sure about the 3 network tho. write to ofcom imo