Debit Card Consumer Rights

reggina

Hi,

I have recently made a payment to an online company that I now suspect maybe fraudulent; I visited my Bank and have been told that because I made the payment by Debit Card rather than Credit Card I have no protection. Is this true???

Having checked out the company now, it appears they are a registered company but since I made the payment the website has gone down and the telephone number is dead.

Any advice as of what to do next would be greatly appreciated!!

Thanks

jonesMUFCforever

What did you buy?
How much was it for - was your account in credit or overdrawn as a result of the transaction?

The bank is correct in that you do not have Section 75 cover under the CCA - what would you have done had you paid cash or sent a cheque? - the answer is that you would be in the back of the queue with all the other creditors.

You may be able to ask the bank to try and do a chargeback but if the company has gone bust there will be no money to refund you.

reggina

It was a stag do operator site. I paid using their online service and paid by debit card to save on the 2.5% credit card fee.

When i paid it took me into my overdraft if that means anything.

Browntoa

which bank are you with , some Debit cards are Visa so they are covered

reggina

Its NATWEST who are currently Maestro

exel1966

In that case you have no protection under any recognised scheme as Mastercard (Maestro) do NOT offer a chargeback scheme, unlike VISA which do or Credit Cards which are covered under the CCA 2006.

reggina

So can anyone give me any advice of what i can explore next?

ILW

reggina wrote: »

So can anyone give me any advice of what i can explore next?

If the company has gone into administration you may get something when it is all sorted. Very unlikely though. Think you will just have to write it off and put down to experience.

never-in-doubt

Natwest now issue Visa...... however, it is worth noting that you can take legal action but sometimes it's just not worth it. In future, a learning curve, never write in admitting things before asking for advice - had you come here first we'd have probably suggested you complain to your bank that your card was cloned or whatever i.e. never used by you! They would then have to refund you.

If the firm used was a con (phishing etc) then invest in Norton or something which will weed out the spam sites.

Sometimes honesty is not the best way forward, you have to think of No.1.

ILW

never-in-doubt wrote: »

Natwest now issue Visa...... however, it is worth noting that you can take legal action but sometimes it's just not worth it. In future, a learning curve, never write in admitting things before asking for advice - had you come here first we'd have probably suggested you complain to your bank that your card was cloned or whatever i.e. never used by you! They would then have to refund you.

If the firm used was a con (phishing etc) then invest in Norton or something which will weed out the spam sites.

Sometimes honesty is not the best way forward, you have to think of No.1.

Would that not be commiting a criminal offence?

NickX

reggina wrote: »

So can anyone give me any advice of what i can explore next?

Even though you have no definite legal protection, I would still contact your bank and request a chargeback. They don't have to comply, but if you are a good customer, they may assist as a matter of goodwill.