Help canceling webhosting

monkeysuncle

I've been using webhosting from streamline.net for 4 years now. I signed up on the 1st of March 2005 (payment left my account a few days after) and have been using it ever since. Now though I want to cancel since I'm trying to pay off debts (and I don't need it anymore either).

They sent a reminder email at the beginning of Feb saying my account was due for renewal in 2 weeks. I tried to cancel online yesterday (day payment was due) and they replied today saying to ring the closure department.

After phoning them, they refused to cancel since there's an outstanding payment now due (for the next 2 years hosting). They don't have my current debit card number, so can't take payment without my new card details. They also made a point of saying that their terms and conditions were changed in December 2008 and that I automatically accepted after 30 days (this seemed to implied that t&c's before hand would have meant that I could have canceled).

Am I stuck paying for the next 2 years worth of webhosting I don't want?

macman

I don't see how the revised T&C's can be enforceable by law unless they informed you properly and you had the oportunity to cancel. Have you even been shown these to verify what they are claiming?
Since the only way they can get the money is to take you to court, I would be tempted to send them a registered letter saying you have cancelled with effect from the last day of your contract and do not owe any more. If they do follow through (which I doubt) then you can take legal advice then.

monkeysuncle

Thanks macman.

Forgot to mention, they said on the phone they emailed me in December about the t&c's. Found the email, titled Important Info about my account - was the usual look at all the useless improvements to our service and also at the bottom was a we've changed some of our t&c's, click here (no mention of a 30 auto acceptance or anything).

I will sent them a registered letter though.

macman

Then I think it would be accepted that they informed you. I'm not clear whether acceptance is required, but my point is that they can't do anything other than chase you for the supposed debt, or threaten you with debt collectors etc.

FIK

I am/was with streamline. Don't listen to a word they say. Write them an email saying you are cancelling your account. you can phone as well but write the email(so you have proof). Even write in the email that you have also called to cancel. DO NOT PAY THEM. They are cowboys. They actually did charge me and I had to claim money back. I had phoned to cancell but they did not, and I had no proof. Thats why they want you to phone. There terms and conditions are not 100% legal. My trading standards department knew of them. If you do get threating letters from them then take show them to trading standards or citizens advice. You are not alone in the way streamline treat you they do it to everyone.