Vodafone erroneously deducts ₹99 from users’ balance

Vodafone said that the money was charged due to a “technical error.” Here’s what happened.

Vodafone: WHY U DO THIS (Pixabay)

Many Vodafone customers on Tuesday took to Twitter to report that the operator had erroneously deducted ₹99 from their account for international roaming.

Some users pointed out that the money had been deducted even if they had no international travel history.

“Have been deducted ₹99 for international roaming. I haven't requested for it. To be honest worst ever customer service @VodafoneIN your customer care 198 is asking for inputs and it's in infinite loop. Does any one really able to reach customer support??,” wrote an unhappy Vodafone customer.

@VodafoneIN @TRAI Please look into this. @VodafoneIN has deducted ₹99 from my account for International Roaming. I have no international travel history and same is happening with a lot of other customers they are cheating us.

— Ganesh Sasane (@sasaneganesh) June 2, 2020

Hi! We don't want to lose you. Due to a technical error, ₹99 has been erroneously charged on your prepaid number. We are crediting the amount to your account. We solicit your cooperation. Stay Home and Stay Safe - Urvi

— Vodafone (@VodafoneIN) June 2, 2020

 

According to some tweets, the money was deducted early morning on Tuesday. Users also received an SMS notification over the same.

At 4am today @VodafoneIN Vodafone has surreptitiously deducted ₹99 from my account for " International Roaming" for 30 days. This ,when international travel is locked down. My mail to them at 0447hrs remains unanswered. If this is not highway robbery, what is?

— Vinay Isloorkar (@vaisloorkar) June 2, 2020

“Dear customer, this is to inform you that a rental amount of ₹99 has been deducted towards International Roaming rental for 30 days,” read the SMS notification, as per screenshots shared some users.

@VodafoneIN I was incorrectly charged Rs. 99 for International Roaming Rental at 3:50AM today, 2nd June 2020. I have not activated nor requested any such service. Refund the money back into my account immediately. Please look into this @DoT_India @rsprasad @OfficeOfRSP pic.twitter.com/W8NNoFMcl5

— Sachin Salian (@salian1991) June 2, 2020

As expected, users were incredibly unhappy over the glitch. Shortly after, ₹99 began trending on Twitter India.

The company in its responses to some of the tweets confirmed that the money was deducted due to a “technical error.” It also said that is crediting the deducted money back to subscribers' account.

“Hi! We apologize the inconvenience caused. Due to a technical error, ₹99 has been erroneously charged on your prepaid number. We are crediting the amount to your account. We solicit your cooperation. Stay Home and Stay Safe!,” said Vodafone in a response to a tweet.