Please help-I've been ripped off!

D&DD

I don't know about this trial but I got caught out by AOL a few years back..they asked for a switch card when I started the free trial..I didn't know then I couldn't cancel it from my end!! 2 years it took me to get it cancelled then because I did they wiped me off their system so wouldn't give a refund !!!

Godders

Apologies for posting under a different account before, slip of the browser

Just found VISA's consumer tips:

http://corporate.visa.com/st/consumer_tip.jsp

Card Security

• Report suspicious activities to your issuing bank.

Now why would VISA tell you to do that if the banks were powerless



And also:



Online Security


Keep a record of transactions and review monthly statements thoroughly.



Basically you have a payment dispute, ie you state they should not be taking money from you via the VISA charging system your bank signs upto. Nowhere on the VISA site can I yet find - this only applies to Credit based cards



And finally:



http://www.fool.co.uk/decisioncentre/banking/articles/avoidfraud.aspx



Tips to keep your cards safe:


At the moment it's the issuers of plastic cards rather than individual cardholders who bear the initial cost of fraudulent use. Your maximum liability on credit, debit, and bank-issued charge cards is £50 for fraudulent transactions made before the issuer is notified and, in most cases, issuers waive even this small liability.



And really finally



http://www.personal.barclays.co.uk/BRC1/jsp/brccontrol?task=articleFWgroup&site=pfs&value=8819&menu=4840




Barclays say there that they will not hold you liable for fraud on your debit card

Dnew_2

I have just started to take out free trails on rentals, I went through rpoints to get cashback too. I always get proof of postage and cancel account after three weeks, so Ithought it would be safe to give over credit card details. (I have not used Screen Select). Do I have more protection against sneaky charges?

redmandarin

Hiya folks! Thanks for your advice. In terms of chargeback, I've looked at the web links suggested (and lots of others) and some of the info suggests that debit cards can be regarded as simliar in type to credit cards, but it all depends upon the view of the bank (sadly, I'm not a Barclay's Customer). So I rang my local Trading Standards Department for advice and... they're on strike today! And I'm back in work tomorrow and can't call during their opening times (short office hours, weekdays).

I think I need legal advice - but can't afford to pay a fortune in fees. I'm not just thinking of myself - if this can be satisfactorily resolved then maybe others in a similar position will be helped too. Are there any consumer law experts out there that can be of assistance? Thanks a lot.

savvy

Well spoke to my bank today and I just need to go in and fill out a 'dispute' form apparently, so fingers crossed on that one.

Ticklemouse

I used screenselect as my first free trial - they took my 9.99 BEFORE EITHER my 3 weeks was up or 5th dvd had been returned - so well within my free trial period. Couldn't get them to shift, so stood it for the 1 month then left telling them what I thought of them (like they care)

redmandarin

Thanks a lot for the replies. Well done Savvy. I contacted my bank again, this time to request Chargeback. They don't have a form to complete (which would be easier, I think) but said I need to put my case in writing and their Visa dispute team would investigate. Finger's crossed for a positive outcome.

I think it'd be a good idea if everyone who's had a similar experience to me requests the address of their banks' dispute department and puts in a letter to dispute the fact that they have been charged for a supposedly "free" trial. If this has happened to a many people (and it may have done) then the banks need to be informed. Then they'll take this issue seriously - and be more sympathetic. So if this has happened to you PLEASE don't just put it down to experience - join me and savvy - and help yourself - and consumers everywhere!

Thanks in advance and good luck! rm

savvy

Corr your good luck paid off, thanks RM! :j I got a letter today to say my bank has refunded me the £29.97 that Screenselect took out.........ha ha ha!

fannyadams

My Tesco CC got debited by Tesco DVD - and guess what Tesco CC people say I can't do a thing about it!
i give up <head/wall interface>

savvy

Is your Tesco CC a Visa one?