PLENTY of people get a shock when they open a phone bill, but Camperdown resident Gary Daff nearly fell over when told his phone charges came to $32,500.
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Mr Daff first realised his phone had been stolen on May 13.
He immediately reported the theft to the police and Telstra.
But the damage had already been done.
While cancelling his $10 phone plan with Telstra, Mr Daff was informed a bill of $32,500 had already been racked up.
“I was pretty worried having $32,000 over my head,” he said.
Initially told the bill would be waived, Mr Daff was shocked to then receive a bill for the huge sum and a follow-up reminder notice when he didn’t pay.
A number of phone calls later, he was still no closer to receiving confirmation he would be spared the fee.
“It’s just really frustrating,” he said.
“It might have to be prepaid next time I think, if I get another phone.”
Since being contacted by The Standard, a Telstra spokesman said they had left a phone message for Mr Daff to confirm he would not be held responsible for the bill.
The spokesman said sending the bill had been the result of an oversight, and the charges had been waived.
He said Telstra apologised to Mr Daff for any inconvenience caused.
tliptai@standard.fairfax.com.au
