Payday Express Nightmare

Andy1957

Sorry if this is the wrong forum - please feel free to move it if it is.

I took out a series of Payday Express loans about a year ago and to cut a long story short, I defaulted on it, cancelled my debit card and closed my bank account. I opened another account with a completely different bank and have had my salary paid into this bank for several months.

I looked at my online statement today and my account balance has been wiped out by six debits from Payday Express for a number of amounts ranging from £25 to £435. I know I owe them the money but I'm sure I haven't given them either my new debit card or account details so how the hell did they find my details and why did my bank accept the debits when they weren't authorised.

Any help would be most useful

Thanks

eyeopener2

have you taken out any further PayDay Loans? If so, could you have unwittingly used an associate company of Payday Express? They would then have your bank details.

I don't know for certain, but it's a possible answer.

DVardysShadow

When you opened your new bank account, did you get them to transfer all your direct debits etc from the old account? If you did, then the old bank would just transfer all future transactions to the new account. If you didn't, ask your new bank for a full explanation of the authority they hold for making these debits and insist that they reverse the transactions.

What banks are involved - old and new? It is just possible that the banks are in the same group.

eyeopener2

Good point DV, I think you have hit the nail on the head. Either scenario would cause the problem.

The thing is, Andy, you will not have any joy with PD Express now, your only course of action is through your bank. Other than that, and it's a bitter pil to swallow, you just take it on the chin. I had mine almost cleared by Wonga but at least it was gone and made me sort my debt situation once and for all.

E2

Andy1957

eyeopener2 wrote: »

have you taken out any further PayDay Loans? If so, could you have unwittingly used an associate company of Payday Express? They would then have your bank details.

I don't know for certain, but it's a possible answer.

No, nothing since then. I vowed never to touch them again.

DVardysShadow wrote: »

When you opened your new bank account, did you get them to transfer all your direct debits etc from the old account? If you did, then the old bank would just transfer all future transactions to the new account. If you didn't, ask your new bank for a full explanation of the authority they hold for making these debits and insist that they reverse the transactions.

What banks are involved - old and new? It is just possible that the banks are in the same group.

No, I didn't transfer any DD's. My old bank was Nat West and the new one is Barclays

DVardysShadow wrote: »

When you opened your new bank account, did you get them to transfer all your direct debits etc from the old account? If you did, then the old bank would just transfer all future transactions to the new account. If you didn't, ask your new bank for a full explanation of the authority they hold for making these debits and insist that they reverse the transactions.

What banks are involved - old and new? It is just possible that the banks are in the same group.

I know you're right and I'm glad it's been paid off but it's the way they hi-jacked my account which has made me angry.

Culex

Andy1957 wrote: »

I looked at my online statement today and my account balance has been wiped out by six debits from Payday Express for a number of amounts ranging from £25 to £435. I know I owe them the money but I'm sure I haven't given them either my new debit card or account details so how the hell did they find my details and why did my bank accept the debits when they weren't authorised.

Go into the branch of Barclays where you opened the account and ask to see the direct debit mandates or card payment mandates.

At the very least, this seems to be a breach of the Data Protection Act 1998 if not theft, but do not expect the plods to do anything more than mutter. "It's a civil matter, sir" unless, that is, they try to do you for fraud.

NeverAgain_2

I would want at least a new debit card number, if not a new account number.

These payday loan companies seem to do just as they want, and there must be a risk they will take more of your money, just because they can.

Yes, if they did you could probably sort it out, but this is one stable door I would lock before the horse has bolted.

Culex

I entirely agree.

I believe I'd also want to know what the merry h[STRIKE]e[/STRIKE]ll that wunch of bankers at Barclays were doing.