Martin Lewis has warned mobile phone customers about a ‘dirty trick’ used by resellers that can leave them paying far more than necessary after their contract ends. On his Martin Lewis Money Show Live, the consumer champion highlighted that while resellers often offer cheaper deals initially, many bundle the handset and airtime costs into a single fixed monthly payment.
Unlike direct network contracts, where the handset cost is removed once paid off, resellers typically keep the total charge unchanged. This means customers could be paying £30 a month for a SIM that is worth only £6 or £7, long after the phone is fully paid for.
Lewis urged viewers to mark the end date of their contract and switch immediately. ‘Note when your contract ends. Draw a line in the sand, and you need to get off it that day,’ he said. He stressed that while the practice may be immoral, it is not illegal, making it difficult to claim refunds.
The warning affects thousands of customers who use mobile resellers, which sell network contracts at lower upfront prices but often lack the transparent split between handset and airtime costs. Lewis advised consumers to be vigilant and avoid falling into the trap of paying inflated rates after the minimum term.
