Pingo are Refusing to give VAT back!

RealGem

As I call the states a few times a month (but not enough to pay Virgin for an International tariff), I had been told about Pingo who give you a freephone number to ring, before ringing the final number.

I tried it twice and because the numbers I was ringing would be free to US callers, Pingo class it as an invalid number.

So I rang to ask for my money back, and they say they'll give me £10 back only, but I paid £11.75 altogether including "tax/VAT". I know it's not much, but are they allowed to keep the tax?

Thanks in advance

Forgot to say Pingo are a US company, and I never got a VAT receipt nor VAT number.

:santa2: :xmastree: :xmassign: :rudolf:

Paul_Varjak

I assume you bought a 'Calling Card' from PINGO's website? If so, it does state the following on the website:

*Note: Pingo cannot be used to call U.S. toll-free numbers (800, 888, 877, 866) or toll numbers (900, 411, 555-1212).

In the circumstances, I don't think PINGO were obliged to refund any monies. I would feel grateful that you did, at least, get £10 back!

RealGem

Thank you, I understand your point, but this VAT business is a much bigger issue.

If we bought something in the UK we'd be entitled to a VAT receipt, displaying the VAT number. We'd also be entitled to a full refund, including VAT.

I don't like being charged VAT or tax when it seems to me, that the money is not actually going to where it's supposed to.

I would really like to know if they are allowed to keep the money they call 'tax' (regardless what the service does or does not provide). I find it hard to believe they are acting within the law.