Supermarket Parking fine in wrong name

amandamilner

My own fault, but I received a fine from Parking Eye company for staying longer than I should have in Morrisons car park. However it was address to the incorrect name (Garth instead of Gareth, surname right) They sent another reminder also in the wrong name. We were due to go away and didnt have much time to look into it, and to avoid paying the higher charge after 20 days, we paid £40 plus debit card charges (*although this is the only way to pay so unavoidable) Now I think that might be our downfall, as by paying it we have admitted to it, however I didnt want to risk the higher charge- is there anything we can now do to try and get the money back as it was in the (slightly I admit) wrong name?
Thanks

McKneff

There are literally hundreds of threads about this sort of thing.

You have absolutely no chance of getting your money back,
All you can do is learn from it and move on I'm afraid.

Trebor16

No, in a nutshell. You have been scammed.

trisontana

And it's not a FINE!

Kite2010

Expect a letter saying "sorry you paid too late to get the discount, please pay more"

Easiest way is to complain to Morrisons saying that they have lost a customer and you shall be telling your friends and family to avoid and use a local rival instead.

RENEGADE_2

Cut your losses. Many of us have paid one supposed "fine" if not more, but then we all learn. Welcome to the new light and go forward from now in the knowledge that private car parks are not council facilities and that the landowner has no right to penalise you for breaching his terms. The private parking company is not an authority and neither is the so-called "civil debt collection agency" or their solicitors which may get on your case. A "civil debt"? Prove it it court then press me to pay you.

If you want personal revenge, I urge you to use the facility for free parking for the rest of your life. Never ever reply to or satisfy ParkingEye again. I know that they back off after their second letter but that's irrelevant. They can jump up and down all year but unless they try for litigation, you as a citizen owe them NOTHING.

RENEGADE_2

I recommend: park at Morrison's, pay nothing (as it is free anyhow), and shop somewhere else. I take it there are other services near this superstore. If you can manage to carry the bits and pieces, consider yourself a seaon ticket holder.

Alexis27

As you've been scammed once and fallen for it, be wary of further letters demanding more money.

What was your reasons for 'over'staying? If it was whilst shopping I would pursue Morrisons and see if they can get your money back.

You also have the option of suing Parking Eye and Morrisons in small claims court.

bromsgrovebarry

It may be worth letting Morrisons know your displeasure. In tough trading times, loss of customer goodwill can be more costly than the time spent telling ParkingEye to refund your money. I have no doubt that Morrisons can do just that. If Morrisons do not play ball, the threat of court action may force Morrisons hand. The money is a mere drop in the ocean to Morrisons but any publicity about a successful court action could be more costly to the company. There is little point spending millions on advertising only to sell your customers down the river to a bunch of scam artists.

amandamilner

Thanks for all the help- wish Id posted this BEFORE paying!!
Will know next time, thanks