Sky direct debit

HoneyAndLemon · 6 March 2012 at 9:06PM

Hi all, just wondering if anyone has any ideas about this as I'm stumped.

My direct debit for Sky was due on the 3rd of March. Due to the 3rd being a Saturday, it should have come out yesterday. It showed on my online banking as being paid on 5th March, and my Sky bill showed the payment being received....but yet the money never left my account.

So today checked the Sky account again and they said the direct debit had been reversed due to 'insufficient funds' in my bank account, and that they would attempt to take it again on the 13th, but that if they can't take it again my services will be restricted.

I check my bank accounts everyday, and there was more than enough available funds (i.e. no pending card transactions or earmarked funds), and I have a £300 overdraft there as a back up too.

I checked with the bank and they have said Sky did make a request for the direct debit which is why it was showing as being paid, but they did not attempt to take the money from my account.

Sky are adamant its down to me not having the money in the account,but I did!? So confused...

happy_bunny_2 · 6 March 2012 at 9:25PM

I had similar with a different company. Never got it resolved. Just cancelled my product the DD was for. They said it was refused but never showed as requested online and was active and had funds.

You can pay sky by card.

HoneyAndLemon · 6 March 2012 at 9:28PM

Yeah Im just wondering if I cancel the direct debit today and make a debit card payment for it, will they still attempt it on the 13th? Common sense would say no, but you never know with companies like Sky..

happy_bunny_2 · 6 March 2012 at 9:36PM

Cancel it. Call sky to pay and set up a recurring card payment If you are happy to do that. Also email after for confirmation or check your online account to see how the next payment will be taken.

stclair · 6 March 2012 at 9:47PM

Just leave it and let them collect the payment on the 13th.

MoneySaverLog · 6 March 2012 at 10:19PM

Sky are usually pretty good with DD's unlike most companies they always take payment on the correct date with me, could only wish others did the same.

HoneyAndLemon · 6 March 2012 at 10:39PM

The dates arent the problem, its the fact they are saying I didnt have money in my account to pay it, and that if it happens next time they will stop my service. Im due to move in the next couple of weeks and need to book a sky home move, and dont need hassle about the bill at the same time. Its just frustrating because I know the money is there and its not the first time sky have done this.

Mikeyorks · 6 March 2012 at 10:51PM

HoneyAndLemon wrote: »

I checked with the bank and they have said Sky did make a request for the direct debit which is why it was showing as being paid, but they did not attempt to take the money from my account.

If Sky requested the money how could they 'not attempt' to be taking it? Your Bank seem to be giving you the run around.

If Sky tell you there were 'insufficient funds' ..... that can only have come from your Bank! Who must have rejected the DD request.

HoneyAndLemon · 6 March 2012 at 10:54PM

I can see on my online banking the direct debit last paid date as the 5th march. But not on my statement. Why would my bank reject it? They dont charge me for it so its not like they gain anything by it...

Mikeyorks · 6 March 2012 at 11:00PM

HoneyAndLemon wrote: »

Why would my bank reject it?

You'll need to ask them that? But they've signalled 'insufficient funds' back to Sky - as the reason. They send an automated ARUDD report :

http://www.clearacademy.co.uk/index_files/arudd.htm

coldcazzie · 7 March 2012 at 8:18AM

I would pay this bill by card, cancel the DD at your end and at sky's, and then get them to set up a new DD mandate. Sometimes DDs do this, don't know why. I've had multiple problems with one of mine that has taken me 4 months to get sorted. Luckily the company were very helpful and allowed card payments for each time the DD failed to do its thing (after over a year of it being fine).