direct debit guarantee

ronaldmacdonald

Hi folks.

My energy provider emailed me on the 24/02 saying they were amending the direct debit from £100 to £125 effective from the 02/04/2010.

The cheeky blighters only went and applied the new direct debit on the 02/03/2010. Can they do this?

inmypocketnottheirs

No they can't. You can call your bank, tell them that the amount has been claimed in error and have the transaction reversed.

ronaldmacdonald

Ill contact the branch, I would have normally paid £100 on the 02/03/2010 and I have no problem with them taking that amount, I just thought it was a bit cheeky telling me it was being amended on the 02/04/2010 and then actually amending it a month earlier!

jonesMUFCforever

ronaldmacdonald wrote: »

Ill contact the branch, I would have normally paid £100 on the 02/03/2010 and I have no problem with them taking that amount, I just thought it was a bit cheeky telling me it was being amended on the 02/04/2010 and then actually amending it a month earlier!

Bear in mind you will still owe them the £100 - your bank will only be able to refund the whole payment - not part.
If even due to their own incompetence, your payment is ''bounced back to them'' you may accrue charges from them.
Speak to them first before going to the bank would be my advice.

ronaldmacdonald

Hello

I don't mind them taking the increased direct debit and it hasn't caused any hardship - but rules are rules and hopefully it may make someone take more care in the future. I reported it to my bank and also informed the utility company :T

jonesMUFCforever

ronaldmacdonald wrote: »

Hello

I don't mind them taking the increased direct debit and it hasn't caused any hardship - but rules are rules and hopefully it may make someone take more care in the future. I reported it to my bank and also informed the utility company :T

Yes indeed rules are rules - so you have not paid anything this month - have you not broken the rules or have you paid the £100 by other means?

ronaldmacdonald

My bank have credited me back the entire payment. I have not as yet paid the £100. I have decided NOT to pay this amount, at least, not until the ignorant cretins respond to my letter - they can do the leg work if they want it

jonesMUFCforever

That's ok then an automated default will apply.

ronaldmacdonald

I very much doubt it, anyway after phoning up the said utility company and having a good old fashioned moan I am going to get a cheque for the difference. I then paid the £100 - so in a rather long and roundabout way it all worked out the same. I guess at least its costing them to process a cheque so all is good