direct debit charges on a cancelled direct debit

vicki_p_2

After loosing my job i chose to cancel my sky direct debit and pay manually via their website.
However, they keep re-instating the direct debit using a different reference number with my bank and trying to take funds without informing me.
I was wondering if they can legally do this or if i have to give permission for first.
My account has been taken into arrears on a number of times incurring charges and after approx 3months of trying to find out why my bank keeps re-instating the direct debit after i have told them not to they have finally came back an told me that sky have been changing the reference number.
Thanks for any help in advance.

dunstonh

I was wondering if they can legally do this or if i have to give permission for first.

It is not illegal. That would involve the police. It is not unlawful (although it could be but no case to say otherwise). However, it is a breach of the direct debit guidelines.

The bank should not charge on cancellation of a direct debit. If you can show evidence that you cancelled the mandate at the bank and you have been charged following the cancellation then this is a mistake by the bank. The charge should be refunded. It the direct debit was paid and not returned (no contra entry) then you should be refunded and a claim made under the direct debit guarantee scheme. If the bank refuse to do this (they dont like using the guarantee scheme and will often try to fob off) then you make a formal complaint.

Premier_2

Your express permission is needed for each DDI raised. (each one will have a different reference number)

Also advance notice is required before any amended payment is collected (which includes the first collection)

You are fully covered by the DD Guarantee, including consequential losses (e.g. resultant bank charges) so I hope you are claiming from your bank. Doing so results in the originators sponsor getting reports, and continual abuse may result in the originator being suspended from using the DD scheme.

You could also speak to your bank who may agree to put a block on Sky placing a DDI on your account completely. I'm surprised they haven't alreday offered this to you with all the claims under the DD guarantee and cancellations of DDIs I hope you have made.