If you’ve upgraded your Vodafone mobile handset recently, make sure you haven’t fallen victim to sharp practice.

I finally got rid of my ancient handset just over a year ago. I was pleased with my choice: a Nokia 6230i. But I got stung three times by Vodafone.

First I was charged for delivery – without warning. Annoying as the firm didn’t give me the choice of collecting the handset from a local store. Then I discovered four months later that they had ‘sold’ me unwanted mobile phone insurance. When I called to complain, I was told I had to give 14 days notice to cancel – even though I hadn’t bought it in the first place!  A letter to customer service director Dave Walton led to a refund.   

Finally, the sucker punch. I’ve taken a fancy to a new handset this week, the Sony Eriksson K800i. I asked Vodafone in Canary Wharf how how much it would cost  to upgrade. I was amazed to be told I was on an 18 month contract. The saleswoman who missold the insurance had put me on a longer contract without telling me. Needless to say, I was never sent a copy of this agreement.

Vodafone have now put matters right, after I wrote to its new chairman, Sir John Bond. I’ve now got an excellent deal on my new phone. But it left me concerned about how many other customers have fallen victim to similar misselling. If you’ve upgraded, check whether you’ve been moved to a longer contract or charged for unwanted mobile phone insurance. Even if you haven’t, shop around for a better deal and use this to strike a bargain. I got 50 minutes more airtime and 250 free texts – without paying a penny more.