john wrote:
> "simon crowder" <simon.crowder@arcor.de> wrote in message
> news:45be4e1e$0$18835$9b4e6d93@newsspool4.arcor-online.net...
>> There seem to be quite a few online-shops which offer huge cash backs for
>> mobile contracts, often to the degree that there is hardly any
>> subscription to pay, plus you get a new mobile. Sounds too good to be
>> true. The small print then states that cash back will be paid in
>> instalments over the length of the contract. This means that if the shop
>> goes belly up, there will be no more cash back payments. Are these offers
>> generally trustworthy? I am somehow suspicious this could be a scam. Are
>> my doubts unfounded?

I've hardly paid a penny for mobile phones and contracts over very many
years, all down to cashback deals. I've only ever once failed to get a
cashback, when I misread one of the instructions. Tsk!

> Not always, you have to decide if the company will still be around. Past
> performance is no guarantee of future performance. Read the terms and
> conditions over again and make sure there is no doubt as to what to do to
> claim. They are written in a certain way and lots of tricks and scams are
> used to prevent a pay-out.

I think the word 'scam' is a little harsh... yes, IME the companies will
wriggle out of paying up if you get the slightest thing wrong, but you
just have to be careful and do exactly everything they ask for. The
only reason these contracts are viable is that so many punters fail to
claim successfully.

> Make sure you can afford the full costs as you might not get a penny.
> Get the right deal and you will save, but is it worth the risk!

Providing you don't pick a stupidly inappropriate (fot you) contract -
eg, a 500 minute per month one costing £50/month (or whatever) when you
only actually make 50 mins of calls per month, then you really aren't
risking much - if anything - anyway. The worst that can happen is that
you actually have to pay for the contract you take out (like most people
do!)

Google this newsgroup for "cashback" for all the ins and outs and pros
and cons.

David