Consumer Hack – Get your SIM card security deposit back

Remember paying around Rs 200 to 300 extra while buying a postpaid SIM card? That is the security deposit one has to pay to get a postpaid connection. The buyer has to pay some money as security from any loss or damage to the SIM card.

Postpaid SIM card companies have to refund security deposits. Once you surrender or switch your network provider, you will get your money back. All postpaid networks – Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Jio, etc have to refund postpaid SIM card security deposit.

How to get postpaid SIM security deposit refund?

While buying a new postpaid connection with any network (Idea, Vodafone, Jio or Airtel), you are required to pay a one-time activation fee and security deposit. If you choose to discontinue your service with the network and surrender the sim, the security deposit has to be refunded. You will get a cheque for the amount the company owes to you. The one-time activation fee is non-refundable. You can do so at the nearest office of your postpaid connection provider.

As per the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), the refund of the security deposit has to be made within 60 days of disconnecting the SIM. In case the service provider fails to do so, they have to pay an additional interest of 10% per year to the consumer.

Moreover, the majority of the postpaid users do not get a refund even after repeated requests.

To make sure that you get your money back, you can place a complaint with your network’s customer care. Airtel, Idea, Vodafone, Jio- have toll free numbers where you can complain about the refund of security deposits. You can also escalate the issue to TRAI.

For an even better redressal, file a complaint through Resolver. The postpaid company will receive your complaint and you’ll be able to keep track of your matter on Resolver.