12-11-2025 03:56 PM
I’m posting here in the hope that someone at EE will finally review this issue properly.
On 30 October 2025, DPD delivered what was supposed to be my partner’s iPhone 17 Pro Max 512GB Deep Blue, ordered through our EE account. My partner accepted the delivery and opened the parcel shortly afterward — only to find that while the iPhone box and paperwork were inside, the phone itself was missing. The box contained only the USB-C cable and documentation.
The outer DPD parcel bag didn’t appear tampered with beyond the point where it was opened, but the iPhone box seals clearly show signs of having been lifted and reattached, which we’ve documented with photographs.
We contacted EE immediately to report the issue. The adviser explained that there were system problems preventing the dispute from being raised that day and said we’d receive a callback — which never happened. My partner had to chase again the next day before the dispute was finally logged. We were told EE and DPD would investigate and provide an update within 72 hours.
No update ever came. After several follow-ups, we were told the case had been closed and that EE’s Supply Chain team had rejected the complaint — without providing any explanation or evidence from DPD.
We have since written to EE’s Executive Complaints Team requesting:
The DPD weight and tracking data for the parcel.
The chain of custody and scan logs showing the parcel’s movements.
Proof of IMEI activation or tracking to confirm if the device was ever switched on or connected to any network.
Confirmation that the IMEI has been blocked or blacklisted.
None of this information has been provided to date. EE’s final response (11 November 2025) simply rejects the complaint — they haven’t even requested or reviewed our photographic evidence showing the tampered packaging.
We’ve now escalated this to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Ofcom’s Communications Ombudsman, and BBC Watchdog, as it’s completely unacceptable that a loyal, long-standing customer with a joint EE account is being billed for a device that was never received.
EE, please review this case urgently and provide full transparency on your investigation with DPD.
12-11-2025 04:14 PM
@taddser wrote:EE’s final response (11 November 2025) simply rejects the complaint....
We’ve now escalated this to the Financial Ombudsman Service, Ofcom’s Communications Ombudsman, and BBC Watchdog....
EE, please review this case urgently and provide full transparency on your investigation with DPD.
If your case is with the Ombudsman, it is highly unlikely EE will make any further comment.
Their final response letter, otherwise known as deadlock, will almost certainly be EE's last word on your complaint. If anything else were to be the case, it wouldn't be a final response.
BBC Watchdog is long since past its prime!
12-11-2025 04:19 PM
Yes, EE have issued their final response (the “deadlock” letter), which is why the case is now with the Ombudsman. However, I still believe it’s reasonable to continue asking EE to be transparent — particularly as I’ve not been shown any of the evidence they claim to have gathered with DPD, and they never even requested my photographic proof of the tampered box.
The Ombudsman process can take several weeks, so in the meantime I’m trying to understand whether anyone else has experienced something similar or if there are additional steps or contacts within EE that might help get some clarity.
Even if BBC Watchdog isn’t what it once was, raising awareness through media and consumer forums can still put pressure on large companies to handle these cases more fairly.
If you (or anyone reading) have any suggestions for other effective escalation routes — perhaps specific EE departments, regulators, or other consumer channels — I’d really appreciate the advice.
12-11-2025 04:22 PM
@taddser wrote:If you (or anyone reading) have any suggestions for other effective escalation routes I’d really appreciate the advice.
By having received a final response from EE's formal complaints process, the most effective escalation route is to refer the case to external arbitration, which is currently Ombudsman services.