Play caught at extra charges? Now he returns money, but only active

dailyblitz.de 2 months ago

Mobile network operator Play has just announced a refund of the money collected as part of a controversial fee for “extending account”. And although it may seem a affirmative gesture, the situation raises serious questions: Were the customers unconsciously charged for years? Who can number on a return? How much money can you truly get back? And most importantly – Why do you gotta turn yourself in to get back what we deserve?

A hidden charge that cost hundreds of thousands of customers

From May 15, 2025 Play officially ceases to charge for the “extended account” in the card offerknown as "Play for a 3.0 card". So far, if the user wanted to keep the active number, even without a charge, he had to pay – the fee was charged automatically after the expiry of the measures.

It wouldn't be weird if it wasn't for the fact that many users were not full aware of this practice. Information about the fee was hidden in the rules and not everyone could announcement it. Older generation users or those seldom utilizing the telephone may not really know that their account is "self-renewable" – For their own money.

Play was not forced to do so by decision of the Electronic Communications Office or by a judicial penalty. The operator has chosen to waive the fee. However, the fact that refund will only happen if the client submits, is at least controversial.

Returns for active only – customers gotta speak

As Play reports, returns include only persons who, on 15 April 2025, continued to usage the Play for a 3.0 card service and had an active option to extend the validity of the account. What's more, to get a refund:

please contact client Support Play no later than 15 May 2025
contact is possible by chat, telephone or form on the website
return to pre-paid account client as Goldsmiths Package, not cash

Although the operator assures that ‘the amount of money returned is individual,’ it follows from unofficial reports that some people can recover even respective twelve or respective 100 zlotysif for a long time they had a number in Play and did not charge it regularly.

This means that at national level – given over 13 million Play customersa large share of which benefits from card offers – the operator could collect fees totalling PLN million.

Does Play number on most to forget? Experts have no illusions

Telecommunication marketplace experts estimation that the full situation may be a targeted marketing activity, but besides a example a silent “closure” of a possibly problematic matter. As 1 independent manufacture analyst says:

"Operators frequently introduce mechanisms that are not clear adequate for the average customer. The fee for extending the validity of the account is simply a classical example of ‘silent drain’. And now Play simply reduces the hazard – giving up the fee, giving up the chance to return, but only to those who will be determined adequate to reprove.”

Let's add that Play has not announced any form of active contact with customers in this case – does not send text messages, does not inform directly, and the full is included in the communication on the website and fewer media entries. That may mean most clients will never know they can get their money back.

What do you gotta do step by step to get your money back from Play?

Checkif your number is inactive active in the offer "Play for 3.0"
Login to Play24 account and make certain that you were included in the “extended account” service
Contact the Play client Service Office until 15 May 2025. – preferably via online chat or by phone
Report willingness to recover the funds collected under this service
The funds should be returned in the form of a Gold Package to your pre-paid account by the end of May

It's besides worth doing. screenshots and notes, to have proof of contact and possible discussions with a consultant – this may be helpful in the event of disputes.

Be careful, this may besides apply to another operators

Experts recall: Play is not the only operator applying fees for extending the validity of an account. akin practices besides happen in competition, although in different forms. If you usage a pre-paid offer on another networks (e.g. Orange, Plus, T-Mobile), it is worth carefully analyzing the rules and past of charge.

Interestingly, in Germany and France, akin charges have been prohibited, and operators are required to keep the number free of charge for a certain period after the expiry of the measures. Poland inactive allows the usage of specified fees – nevertheless Social and media pressures can lead to change for us too.

Don't get caught again – monitor your services

In 2025, consumer awareness becomes crucial. Telecommunications operators are inactive looking for fresh sources of revenue, frequently in the form of fees hidden in regulations that fewer people are acquainted with. Therefore: