Petrol station smart card lost my £20 balance - what are my rights?

daneaston

Hello - my first post, so please be gentle!

My local Total petrol station has a car wash which takes cash or a smart card that can be 'charged-up' at the kiosk.

I've had it for several months and today put it in the machine - it said 'Error, remove card'. When I put the card back in, it said my balance was £0.00!! I think I had around £24.00 on there.

I went into the forecourt shop and they confirmed my smart card had an error but refused to refund me cos they don't know how much was on there (I told them there was at least £20).

What are my rights here?! I have no proof the card is mine nor that there was £24 on there, but surely this shouldn't be my problem? If it is my problem, surely this risk should have been explained to me when I agreed to take-out the smart card?

Thanks.

hollydays

speak to the manager

daneaston

It was the manager who confirmed he couldn't refund me cos he couldn't tell how much there was on there (I do see his point - I could have said there was £50 when there was only a fiver, but I still think he should have taken my word for it).

mandi

I would give Consumer Direct a call to clarify . Think they are open until 5pm

http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

Bowling_4_Gold

Go to a different station and try your luck there??? Surely they must have a log somewhere of 'topping-up' and usage dates.