MSE News: Citizens Advice issues warning over unwanted subscriptions

MSE_Luke · 27 November 2017 at 6:09PM

Many consumers are facing huge difficulties trying to cancel unwanted subscriptions such as gym memberships...

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'Citizens Advice issues warning over unwanted subscriptions'

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Former_MSE_Andrea · 28 November 2017 at 10:28AM

Has anyone here struggled with this?

miller · 28 November 2017 at 10:53AM

"The companies" seem to like sign up online (easy), cancel by phone (as hard as they want to make it).

Caddyman · 28 November 2017 at 11:41AM

I truly wonder, how many people when they go and sign themselves up to a gym membership or a magazine subscription, sit down prior to handing over their bank details and read the full T's and C's relating to cancellation? I'd wager, very few. And therein lies the problem, some folks don't read what they're signing up to and when they want to get out and cancel, the provider makes life as difficult as possible. It's been going on for years, it isn't at all right and there needs to be regulation (if there isn't already) to ensure people aren't 'trapped' into subscriptions they no longer want. As long as one gives adequate notice after the initial agreed minimum joining period, then there shouldn't be an issue. Sadly, the reality for some turns into a nightmare.

Kim_13 · 28 November 2017 at 3:09PM

I once tried to obtain a PAC code from O2 via Live Chat. I did this via mobile, as I had a long commute and 45 minutes to wait for a train. They insisted they could only do this when I live chatted them from a PC!

They did give it to me when I live chatted from a PC, but not before attempting to keep me with sim only deals that were obviously unsuitable. I was moving to giffgaff for more data and O2 kindly offered me a deal at the same price with no data(!)

tempus_fugit · 28 November 2017 at 7:37PM

Yes, getting PAC code can still be a nightmare, and they are not supposed to make it difficult for you, but it still happens. Luckily I have been with GiffGaff a couple of years now and I am very happy with them.

Pound · 28 November 2017 at 10:49PM

TV license
Sign up:
Easily online, range of payment options.

Cancelling:
Can only be done by post, you need to provide evidence that you don't need the license (imagine if your gym asked for evidence of not needing to go to the gym). Forms are confusing and if you get it slightly wrong you get a letter telling you the refund is rejected without any sort of explanation of why. Even if you fill it in right, they ignore your request for a BACS payment and issue a cheque dated in the past giving it a shorter expiry time.

dekaspace · 29 November 2017 at 12:39AM

Caddyman wrote: »

I truly wonder, how many people when they go and sign themselves up to a gym membership or a magazine subscription, sit down prior to handing over their bank details and read the full T's and C's relating to cancellation? I'd wager, very few. And therein lies the problem, some folks don't read what they're signing up to and when they want to get out and cancel, the provider makes life as difficult as possible. It's been going on for years, it isn't at all right and there needs to be regulation (if there isn't already) to ensure people aren't 'trapped' into subscriptions they no longer want. As long as one gives adequate notice after the initial agreed minimum joining period, then there shouldn't be an issue. Sadly, the reality for some turns into a nightmare.

I was caught out a few years ago at freshers when a local gym was giving out free 3 day passes by giving them your details, I had enquired before about the company as it was newly opened (though part of a chain) I was assured if I gave bank details it would only be used if I signed up for the gym. I was given no terms and told SHOULD I sign up for the gym I had 14 days to cancel.

Decided not to join nor use the 3 day pass and 6 weeks later got a bill stating I had not paid my subcription, I enquired and was told I had entered a 12 month contract (whcih also was a lie made to me, was told they do monthly contracts) and as it had been passed to collections even though I told them I would pay the 6 weeks there and then and start going I was told the whole year was payable there and then and I would not be allowed to attend.

Sorry for side story but point was I was given no terms, and told it was a free trial.

Caddyman · 29 November 2017 at 7:45AM

dekaspace wrote: »

I was caught out a few years ago at freshers when a local gym was giving out free 3 day passes by giving them your details, I had enquired before about the company as it was newly opened (though part of a chain) I was assured if I gave bank details it would only be used if I signed up for the gym. I was given no terms and told SHOULD I sign up for the gym I had 14 days to cancel.

Decided not to join nor use the 3 day pass and 6 weeks later got a bill stating I had not paid my subcription, I enquired and was told I had entered a 12 month contract (whcih also was a lie made to me, was told they do monthly contracts) and as it had been passed to collections even though I told them I would pay the 6 weeks there and then and start going I was told the whole year was payable there and then and I would not be allowed to attend.

Sorry for side story but point was I was given no terms, and told it was a free trial.

Very unfortunate and I do sympathise, but you've guessed it, there's a 'but' coming.....In this life, you get absolutely nothing for 'free', there is always a catch somewhere. I learned a very long time ago to question absolutely everything and accept nothing at face value.

The trouble is with your scenario, the people that scammed you, and that is exactly what they did, scam you, are professionals at what they do. They can and do make what looks like a seemingly simple, innocent 'offer', to draw you in, look legitimate. If anyone is asking for your bank details at an early stage just to sucker you in for a 'free trial', then I can assure you, it will be anything but free and alarm bells should be ringing. You definitely shouldn't be handing over your bank account and sort code, you should just walk away.

agrinnall · 29 November 2017 at 9:11AM

MSE_Andrea wrote: »

Has anyone here struggled with this?

A search of the Consumer Rights board would have found many such cases, did you bother to do that?

miller · 29 November 2017 at 12:20PM

Pound wrote: »

TV license
Sign up:
Easily online, range of payment options.

Should have gone to a subscription model when the digital switch-over occurred.

A mandatory subscription to 2 main channels with frequent dubious output for anyone watching live TV (for ~£12.50 a month) should have no place in 2017 IMO.

MSE News: Citizens Advice issues warning over unwanted subscriptions

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