credit score matters charges!

Tribulation

johnnyboyrebel wrote: »

Yawn Yawn. Same old "I did not read the details and have been charged so the site must be a scam". If you thought it was completely free, did the penny not drop when all of a sudden you are asked for your bank/card details?

Yep, in a perfect world, what you say is 100% correct.

But these sites are deliberately designed to con the average person. They know that most of us don't read thorough pages of small print and their business only makes money because they know that the way they design these web sites, many many people will pay for a few months before realising and out of every 100 that get caught out, only around 1 will kick up enough fuss to get a full refund.

That's where I have a problem.

I'm usually observant, a few months ago I ordered a pizza on-line from Pizza hut, I ordered it quickly in the advert, at the end of my order, there was a big button that said "click here for a voucher for £10 off your next order". I clicked and went back to my TV show.

Yes technically I should have sat there reading through the 2 pages of print, but it appeared the way it was done that it was simply a special offer from Pizza-hut. Of course it was a similar thing to what the above posts are about. Designed in a way to make you think the offer is from Pizza hut.

I complained and got my money back, if what I told them about their deceitful practices weren't true, why did they refund me?

I also complained to Pizza Hut about them partnering with such a company. Have never had a reply and see they are still doing the same many months later.

To the best of my knowledge, I'm not even sure (was a fair few months ago now) that I even had to enter my details again, I think they got them from Pizza hut.

Tribulation

arcon5 wrote: »

With the above points in mind, you still persist in encouraging people to push to have money they agreed to pay returned.

If you have made a mistake then learn from it and move on, instead the business is being described as a "scam" and being reported to trading standards.

Doesn't sem fair to me.

Seems perfectly fair to me, if the companies done no wrong, they wont give any money back.

These sites are set up purposely to deceive, just because they are obeying the letter of the law is totally irrelevant, and is also why from time to time when numerous people have been `caught out` or `ripped off` by companies obeying the law in a way they know is going to get people to unwittingly part with their money, laws are updated to keep these shiesters out.

They rely on the fact that when on-line, people are bombarded with page after page of T&C which most people will not either read in full or for a great many, understand even if they do.

Just from my on-line gaming, I would have to read a small books worth almost every month from the likes of Sony etc.

The argument of I should be bothered doesn't wash with me, I would argue that they COULD (and SHOULD) make it VERY clear and OBVIOUS if they want to, but they DELIBERATELY go out of their way not to, knowing people will unwillingly part with their cash. You might think that's fair, that's your choice. Personally I think it's wrong and think such companies should be banned.

Fyffes

Tribulation wrote: »

Yep, in a perfect world, what you say is 100% correct.

But these sites are deliberately designed to con the average person. They know that most of us don't read thorough pages of small print and their business only makes money because they know that the way they design these web sites, many many people will pay for a few months before realising and out of every 100 that get caught out, only around 1 will kick up enough fuss to get a full refund.

That's where I have a problem.

I'm usually observant, a few months ago I ordered a pizza on-line from Pizza hut, I ordered it quickly in the advert, at the end of my order, there was a big button that said "click here for a voucher for £10 off your next order". I clicked and went back to my TV show.

Yes technically I should have sat there reading through the 2 pages of print, but it appeared the way it was done that it was simply a special offer from Pizza-hut. Of course it was a similar thing to what the above posts are about. Designed in a way to make you think the offer is from Pizza hut.

I complained and got my money back, if what I told them about their deceitful practices weren't true, why did they refund me?

I also complained to Pizza Hut about them partnering with such a company. Have never had a reply and see they are still doing the same many months later.

To the best of my knowledge, I'm not even sure (was a fair few months ago now) that I even had to enter my details again, I think they got them from Pizza hut.

That's exactly the scenario here. You provide your details to a company then find yourself being asked to "re-enter" your email address for a free voucher. You are not asked to re-enter any other details for this second company which gives you the impression that you're still completing the signing up process for the first company.

If they are an entirely different company offering an entirely different service, why are they asking you us to "re-enter" our email addresses? Surely they should be asking us to enter our email address for the first time as far as they're concerned? If I apply for a bank loan from Halifax then go next door to HSBC, I don't get asked to "re-enter" any of my details do I? If I did, I'd be aware that I'm dealing with a second company and instantly become highly suspicious that they already have my details. Sadly, this lot do their utmost to conceal the fact that there's a second company involved.

Using the term "re-enter" instantly makes people drop their guard and leaves them completely unaware that they've just signed up with a second company. I dare say that they do ensure they've kept within the law by having the correct wording and T&C's and company logo subtly placed somewhere on the same page as the huge, colourful, eye catching, attention grabbing voucher they offer but this is nothing but a dirty trick in my opinion (albeit legal).

Many people allege that they didn't even click "accept" on the free voucher page but were still signed up regardless. It's important to remember that the company offering the voucher already has access to your details even if you don't sign up with them. If they didn't already have your details they'd have to ask you to enter them again instead of activating your account when you enter nothing more than your email address. Clearly they already have your details and are already in the position to use them if they want to. So all we can do is hope they don't use them to create a second account without our permission.

Also, the parent company (Adaptive Affinity) have several brands that work hand in hand to achieve their goals. They're all housed in the same building and it's a very well thought out plan. First, they lure customers in with the offer of a credit checking service for a trial period. They are aware that almost everybody will cancel once they've seen their credit rating and before the free period expires so they make sure they subtly tag one of their sister companies onto the end of the signing up process.

So when you cancel the credit checking service you have no idea you've also been signed up to a second company that you've never heard of. The first you know about it is when money goes from your account and you have to google the company name to find out who they are. They will then say something along the lines of "oops, maybe our welcome email went to your spam folder and has been deleted and no you can't have a refund because it's not our fault you didn't cancel".

So there we have it, company A is the lure and company B is the real money spinner even though it's of no use or interest whatsoever to those who have been unwittingly signed up to it.

frenchhugo

Wish I had read this first!

Yes hang head in shame I got conned. Sent them an email

• [EMAIL="membersavings@creditscorematters.co.uk"]membersavings@creditscorematters.co.uk[/EMAIL]

asking them to cancel both memberships and I am within the 10 day "free" trial. Anyone had any luck in this sorting the matter or should I cancel my credit card? Incidently if I cancel my credit card (or report it lost) does this stop them taking money out?

Fyffes

If you've cancelled both memberships within the 10 day period then you should receive an email from both companies confirming the cancellation. If you haven't received confirmation of cancellation emails from both companies (which wouldn't surprise me at all) then you'll have to chase it up. You have to request cancellation separately with the two companies involved. Don't make the mistake of thinking that confirmation of cancellation from one of the two companies involved will mean it's all done and dusted. It won't be and they'll take your money. They have been set up to specifically do this.

I've heard reports that this company has been responding to cancellation requests by stating that these may take 48 hours to process. Which means that anybody who understandably thought that cancelling their 10 day free trial after 9 days will be in for a nasty surprise when money is taken from their bank account.

With regards to cancelling your bank card, I'd say it depends entirely on when you cancelled with these two companies and if you've received cancellation emails from them. If you cancelled within the first few days, you shouldn't have anything to worry about as long as they've confirmed this.

As far as I'm aware, cancelling your bank card will guarantee that they can't take any money. But this obviously comes with the inconvenience of being unable to access your account for a few days and having to change any direct debits you may have.

In the event that either company do take money from you, don't panic because you are almost certainly going to be able to get it back as things stand. Have a read of this MSE thread (it's quite lengthy but worth reading):
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1836087

frenchhugo

cheers. I got 2 confirmation canx emails so fingers crossed.

ClarkyCat

This is my first post here, hello all.

I too experienced acute frustration with Rewards Now and Credit Score Matters. Absolute rubbish. I didn't agree to any terms and conditions, no ASDA voucher. Nothing at all.

Anyway, my first letter of complaint to them wasn't challenging enough, and I received a response saying they wouldn't be able to refund me. Their idea of proof of me entering an agreement with them, was to attach a screenshot of their website. Quite insufficient methinks.

I then proceeded to write the below, and received this positive response. They have said that they will refund me within 7-10 days. I will confirm with you all if it happens.

Don't give up. And should you want to take anything from my letter below, please feel free and I really hope you succeed.

All the best,
ClarkyCat

---

Correspondence with CreditScoreMatters/Rewards Now/Adaptive -- whoever the devil they are

Dear Faye,

Thank you for your email received on 26 July 2011.

A full refund of £39.90 has been processed on your behalf. Please allow 7-10 working days for this be credited to your account.

We are always happy to help and welcome the possibility of you subscribing with Credit Score Matters in the future.


Yours sincerely,



Robin Drake
Customer Services
On behalf of Credit Score Matters
0845 872 5624
[email]contactcreditscorematters.co.uk<mailto:contact@creditscorematters.co.uk[/email]>


To: Contact Creditscorematters; Contact Rewardsnow



I write further to the debits that your company has made from my bank account on xxxx xxxxx xxxx, in the sum of £xx.xx by Credit Score Matters and a £xx.xx by Rewards Now. I do not recall agreeing to your organisation taking such payments. Furthermore, I do not appear to have received any products or services from either of these companies. Please acknowledge receipt of this email and provide the following information:



- Details of the terms and conditions on which you are relying in order to take these payments and evidence of my agreement to such terms;



- Details of how you came to receive my bank details/debit card details;



- A screen shot showing how the terms and conditions were presented on your website;



I am deeply unhappy at what I consider to be the very underhanded tactics used to establish my account. Clearly I am not the only person who feels this way, as a search on the internet reveals much adverse comment and publicity.


I confirm that I wish to cancel any subscription with immediate effect and do not authorise any further payments. I also request an immediate refund of any payments taken from my account. In the absence of an agreement to refund these charges I require that you provide a copy of your complaints procedure and details of any third parties to whom you are obliged to refer unresolved complaints.


Should you fail to provide the above in timely manner I reserve the right to report the matter to the Office of Fair Trading.


Regards,


XXXXXXXX

the_lunatic_is_in_my_head

A friend of mine signed up for this without realising he would be charged monthly, VISA gave him back all the money. Contact your card provider and report the transactions as unauthorised. VISA did try and get out of it a bit but after being directly asked three times if they were obligated to give the money back, they finally yes and agreed to refund.

treasureirealnds

Got me too!! I didn't pass security q's when I was applying online and a message came up for me to call them. I didn't bother so assumed there would be no account!

SIlly me... 2 recurring visa transactions later!!

Thank you for all the positive help on here, but why do some people have to just rub salt in the wound!!

I have called and emailed company. ALso done a visa dispute form with my bank.

angryparent_3

Thank you to everyone who posted information about their experience with Credit Score Matters - we will be using your advice and taking action. Its hard enough safeguarding our own banking security and ID.....

I opened a bank account for my son in May where I set up a standing order for him to have pocket money and to start getting used to managing his money in a more 'adult' way. He kept telling me I hadn't put anything in because his account was empty. Today, I went with him into the bank to sort it out. They noted that a DD was being paid from his account to - yes, you've guessed it "credit score matters" but because it was a 'Point of Sale' transaction, they could not cancel it and we needed to speak to the recipient company. I contacted Credit Score Matters by phone and they told me that they could not discuss anything with me because of the Data Protection Act, although they would if he came on the phone and gave his permission....what a ludicrous situation - any old passing male could have done it! (unfortunately there wasn't any around)

I explained that he is at SCHOOL so he could not. They 'explained' that he must have clicked on a pop-up and when I said they shouldn't sign-up under18s, they said it was up to him to read the terms and conditions which state you have to be over 18:mad:

I said I though that this was ridiculous as they were (we haven't checked whether he actually received anything) providing a report on and to someone who, in terms of credit referencing, doesn't (shouldn't) even exist - surely his date of birth should have thrown up a red flag on their system - apparently he didn't provide date of birth. My son swears he didn't give any banking information to anyone via the internet. (I will be examining his emails later) They suggest that they will refund all the money :T if we scan in a copy of passport and email them with it as proof of his date of birth - I really don't want a digital version of his passport floating around in the 'datasphere' so suggested his birth certificate but was urged to use passport - now I'm really suspicious. Surely, if no proof of ID or date of birth was needed to set the flippin' thing up, why do they suddenly need proof to close it down - something is very fishy here...I will keep you 'posted'(:o)