Fasthosts.co.uk Unauthorised Renewal Charge - Help

skopdop

Hi guys

I signed up for a Fasthosts web hosting package this time last year and I pre-paid for a years hosting. I was aware that the term was coming to an end some time this month and was waiting for a renewal email of some description. At this point I was planning to cancel the service and be on my way.

However, this morning I have received an invoice email from fasthosts stating that they have automatically charged my credit card for a further years hosting. I then contacted their customer service department but have been told via email that:

* in order to avoid a renewal charge you must cancel before the renewal date (you receive no warning of when this date is)
* once the card has been debited for hosting they will not refund any of that amount at all.

First of all, this seems a horrendous customer service policy. They are effectively relying on you to forget to cancel on time by being as discreet as possible about the renewal date. Fasthosts are then refusing to refund you the amount despite the fact that you don't want and won't utilize their service.

So MSEs, what are my options here? Is this all above board - I never authorised and was not consulted or warned of this charge?

As the charge was put through this morning, I intend to cancel the credit card later tonight but will they just end up getting the money out of me anyway as well additional admin fees for the hassle?

The amount is just over £200, which is cash I could really can't afford to lose at the moment.

Thanks guys