I don't know if this is a widespread issue but I had similar problems also. Like the OP I too am aware of Vodafone's eagerness to throw defaults around so was all over it regarding final bills etc, after closing two accounts at the end of last year.
After notifying Vodafone to change both numbers to PAYG I received letters in the post confirming this and the date on which it would happen. After they became PAYG I transferred the numbers to two new SIMO contracts which went without a problem. After this I had nothing at all, I can still log into the accounts but there are no bills, either historic or current (Why do they do this? no other company wipes your account in this way) and no "Sorry you are leaving" letter or bills, either the final bill or zero bill.
Now, I knew on one line I was due a refund and on the other I owed Vodafone so I waited until the direct debit was due to be taken to see what happened. Nothing, no payment taken and no refund received. As I mentioned earlier, knowing about Vodafone spraying defaults around I called up to sort things out. The CS agent was very helpful, confirming the accounts were closed and emailed the last bills to me whilst still on the line and waited until I received them. I then asked about the money and why no payment was taken for one line and no refund for the other.
The refund is not automatic and has to be manually sent. I asked as to why, most companies payment systems can work out whether there is a debit or a credit on the account and act accordingly as direct debits work both ways. He couldn't elaborate as to why not, just that Vodafone don't do it this way. He then processed the refund which was received in my bank a few days later.
As for the payment not taken he had no explanation. A statement had been produced and was correct in showing a small debt, he checked the direct debit was still in place which it was but no payment taken and now the account had a late payment charge added to it. He was very apologetic, credited the late payment charge to the account and took a card payment over the phone for the remainder. He also suggested I call back when the next bill is due to ensure one has been produced and confirm it was all correct. In short the agent was excellent.
After reading this post about no final bill being issued and my own experience of not receiving any I then started thinking about all the other posts on here, complaining about Vodafone issuing defaults for small sums owed on accounts people thought were closed. It's only because I know what has happened to others and was therefore vigilant against it, otherwise I too could have become another of those people.
I can't help but then question the validity of any default Vodafone have issued.
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