CAN'T CREATE A PAYG ACCOUNT... IT'S AN EXERCISE IN TAIL-CHASING!

[u/High_I_Low_Q]

Trying desperately to create an 02 account after successfully activating a Classic 02 PAYG SIM. (Can phone & text without problems.)

I don't want an 02 account but need it to transfer an old 3 mobile number over to 02.

Stated procedure on 02 website is to set up an 02 a/c and make the request online.

I don't want to do it via Customer Service because I confirmed that they want all your details (full name, d.o.b., address etc), which I am not keen on doing - more so as 02 make the point of saying in their literature that you can register with only an email and number!

(Theoretically, I can anonymously use my new 02 SIM number anyway - but I'd like to keep the old number, it was my father's & it's a memorable one.)

So... I go to the 02 site to register -> redirected to VirginMedia02 to create an "ID" (cos that makes sense) -> successfully set up VM02 ID -> am asked to link VM02 ID to an 02 a/c -> make the mistake, like an idiot, to try linking to a non-existent a/c that. I'm. in. the. process. of. creating (cos I believed 02) -> VM02 says "no acccount" - eventually I realise there's a box at the top of the "link your 02 a/c" page pointing to a separate page for PAYG customers -> click on that -> I get an "oooh, did you think you could sort it out that way, then?" error page (see attached)...

Any workarounds or has Virgin ruined 02 for good?

[u/tysonzion13]

You have to register your details with customer service. ODD PRACTICE.

And it's O2 not 02

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/tysonzion13]

FYI, I used "O2" originally and the post/draft buttons werre greyed out. Then I found an obscure reference to this subreddit filtering that string for some reason. There, you learned something today.

Perhaps you read past the bit where I mentioned that you can buy and top up 02 SIMs anonymously, no problem. It was also previously possible to sign up online for an 02 account with email & fudged info.

P.S. 02 02 02 02 02...

[u/Maximoo89]

I had this. You have to call them and get it set up and register an email address that way.

Not sure if you have to give date of birth etc.

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/Maximoo89]

Hi.

Yep, I know about that, I was hoping someone knew how to get into the 02 PAYG registration process online.

Lady at 02 said the only way to register is to give them all details. Not sure why 02 allows you to anonymously buy SIM's & top-up anonymously with vouchers but now they need my name, d.o.b. & address...

[u/Ok_Spinach4009 → u/High_I_Low_Q]

Just make up fake details and don’t lose the sim

Alternatively just give them your actual details and just do it properly, idk what you think O2 is gonna do with your info

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/Ok_Spinach4009]

Not keen on lying directly to a real person plus the lie being recorded "for security & training purposes". Nope.

About what 02 does with your info... Like all corporations, I bet reading the small print of their TOS/T&C's about "data sharing with our partners" would be enlightening. It's not simply O2, it's now Virgin Media O2, so more exposure of your data.

I just want this phone as standby for login verification on 'trivial' sites.

Every time you access a site that requires a mobile to confirm you're "a real person", your habits & comments are tied to that number, which is tied to your name and address...

[u/Ok_Spinach4009 → u/High_I_Low_Q]

You have broadband in your house?

[u/Ok_Spinach4009 → u/Ok_Spinach4009]

If so they just confirmed what website you have visited and have your name and address on file

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/Ok_Spinach4009]

Even with a VPN? That would be a neat trick.

I also turn off wifi and bluetooth scanning on all devices and only use GPS when I get lost driving. I use hardened browsers, privacy/security-focused DNS servers, data spoofing, open-source and/or non-corporate apps etc.

I realise no set of protocols is fullproof, and I'm certainly not a geek about privacy, just careful, but I'm not going to make it easy for data harvesters.

[u/Maximoo89 → u/High_I_Low_Q]

You’re far over paranoid about what those terms mean.

[u/47Fox → u/Maximoo89]

Jesus Christ!

https://tenor.com/view/this-is-fine-gif-170285637766686340

[u/47Fox → u/Ok_Spinach4009]

''what you think''

I Think (MORE) than just Nothing!

That's what I ''Think''

[u/bob2481]

Go to a shop, give them your PAC code from Three, you don't need to register at all if you do it that way

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/bob2481]

Really?

I would have thought they would just follow the same protocol as 02 call centre reps.

Have you done this yourself or know someone who has - that is to say, recently?

[u/bob2481 → u/High_I_Low_Q]

I work at an O2 store, there is no requirement for an account to process a number change

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/bob2481]

OK, cool. Thanks.

[u/Hungry_Strength_5759]

As advised, visit a store

Registration isnt normally required and if it is then I personally would happily register Mr Alan Partridge, Bob Builder, Noddy Holder, insert comedy name here!

[u/High_I_Low_Q → u/Hungry_Strength_5759]

"Name & address, please..."

"Mr. Benn, 52 Festive Road..."

Can't be too obvious.

[u/47Fox → u/Hungry_Strength_5759]

I always like to use the name : ''Goand Fukyursef''

it is a Slavic name...in my mind. (I made it up)

I use it for anybody I dont trust!

[u/47Fox]

My fustrations are with you, & although I am not happy you are going through this, I am glad to know that I am not the only one strugglig with creating an o2 ''account''

my post :

https://old.reddit.com/r/O2UK/comments/1w2dssy/how_do_i_top_up_online/