I'm trying to contact Sun Life of Canada. I was given the number 0870-197 1423, and on this site found the geographical number 01293-60 48 26. I rang this number, but was told that for the department I needed to speak to I should ring 0870-161 1111, which I looked up on this site and found 01256-84 14 14. However on ringing this I got a recorded message telling me that this switchboard is no longer in operation and I should ring 0870-161 1111.

So, back to sqare one. any help?

Hi there!

Could you give more information - address, what department etc?

Thank you.

James Bond

Hi James, and thanks,

I don't know the address. The department is Annuity Payments. I received a letter from Matrix House, Basingstoke, telling me that payment of annuity payments is administered by a 'third party', and gave me the address of Paymaster, Annuity Payments, Sutherland House, Russell Way, Crawley RH10 1UH. When I telephoned them I was told it was the wrong number and I should call 0870-161 1111, which I did (on a geographical number found on this site 01256-84 14 14) and that's when I got the recorded message that that switchboard is no longer operational, and telling me to ring the 0870 number above.

The annuity in question is about £20 a year, nothing really, but still it's my money and don't see why I should have to pay a fortune in phone charges to get it. But I'm sure you understand that!

Thanks again.

Pauline

It looks like we are looking for two numbers:

1. Sun Life Financial of Canada - alternative to 0870 161 1111
2. SLOC's Annuities department, operated by Paymaster - alternative to 0870 197 1423

SLOC's contact page rather confirms what we suspect:

General enquiries:

Sun Life Financial of Canada
Matrix House
Basing View
Basingstoke
RG21 4DZ

T: 0870 1611 111
F: 0870 1611 122

Annuities:

Sun Life Financial of Canada
Annuities Department
Sutherland House
Russell Way
Crawley
West Sussex
RH10 1UH

T: 0870 1971423
F: 01293 604174


1. Alternative to 0870 161 1111

As the OP pointed out, 01256 841414 is (was now I've removed it) now a recording which redirects callers ringing about Sun Life Financial of Canada policies to 0870 161 1111. Interestingly, the lady also says callers for Vertex should ring 01242 547000 and callers for CGI Europe should ring 01438 317966.

The other number in the verified entry is 0800 212213, which is answered the same recording as is on the 0870 number, so I think this is a suitable alternative. The message is voiced by the same female as is on 841414 and says that the opening hours are 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. An unverified entry for this company contained 0845 675 4500 which also has the same recorded message on, so I've added it to the main entry.

I then went looking for the geographic number for this. A Google of "sloc.co.uk" 01256 which gives someone's direct number as 01256 849018 and fax of 01256 849392. 849000 and 849010 are not recognised. However, 849849 is answered by the same recording as on the 0870 number.

So 0870 161 1111, 0845 675 4500, 01256 849849 and 0800 212213 can all be used interchangeably.

I have listed them in the database.


2. Alternative to 0870 197 1423

We have a number of entries for Xafinity Paymaster which you can view by searching for paymaster. The recording on 0870 197 1423 is identical to that on 01293 604826 and this does not appear on any of the other numbers we have, although it doesn't identify itself as "Paymaster", "Sun Life of Canada" or something similar so it is possible it could be generic.

If you have reason to call the annuities department, then try it and let me know whether it works successfully and I will promote it to the verified listings.

Well, I rang that number, but although I managed to speak to someone, she wasn't able to help.

However, it IS the right number to speak to those responsible for annuity payments, providing payments have actually started.

paurina wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2010 at 4:21pm:

Well, I rang that number, but although I managed to speak to someone, she wasn't able to help. However, it IS the right number to speak to those responsible for annuity payments, providing payments have actually started.

Thanks for the feedback. I assume you are referring to the entry for 0870 197 1423 = 01293 604826 and I have verified this in our listings.  :)

yes, that's right, sorry I didn't make it quite clear. and thanks for all the help

paurina wrote on Jun 2^nd, 2010 at 5:00pm:

yes, that's right, sorry I didn't make it quite clear. and thanks for all the help

Thanks again for the feedback. I'm glad we have alternatives, although it's disappointing that they couldn't help you.

I only wish others would come back with feedback.

If you have further updates (numbers that work that are unlisted or unverified), numbers that don't work etc, please post through the forum in the Geographical Requests sections. I urge users of this site to register on the forum and use this method.

I've used your site successfully many times, but it's not really clear how to give feedback. I know now of course, but it would help others perhaps if it was made clearer that you do so via the forum.

Anyway, it's a wonderful service - unfortunately corps seem to be catching on and doing their best to hide their geographical numbers. Their staff don't seem to know them, or if they do have been told not to divulge them.

Keep up the good work!