Halifax - Fraud?

Walaboobah

Just been checking my online statement and there are two payments for approximately £80 each from Mystique CD 2023. There is also one for £2.49.

I checked with the wife and she says, the £2.49 one was for some Moisturiser she ordered, she then said they sent her another one but she swears she hasn't ordered anything for £80.

I've googled and cannot find any reference to the company online anywhere.

DO you think this is fraud or has my wife made a silly mistake? We can't afford to throw £160 down the drain!

Is there a specific number for reporting this to the Halifax, I don't want to get caught up with Alan from New Delhi but want to speak to someone in the UK

Thanks

alanq

Has the wife taken part in a "free" trial that (without her knowing it) commits her to receiving further goods at a high price until the arrangement is cancelled?

Update: This sort of thing.
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/shopping/2012/02/Online-shoppers-reporting-increasing-unexpected-continuous-payments

Walaboobah

It would appear that she has, I've just been doing some research and come across a Guardian article. I can't believe she's been so stupid!!

I've rung the Halifax and they have said they'll stop further payments being taken and will charge back the company for the money as we haven't received any goods aside from the free sample.

However, the Guardian article says that these recurring payments are notoriously difficult to stop!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/17/free-skin-cream-trial-victims

SnowTiger

sheltster wrote: »

It would appear that she has, I've just been doing some research and come across a Guardian article. I can't believe she's been so stupid!!

I've rung the Halifax and they have said they'll stop further payments being taken and will charge back the company for the money as we haven't received any goods aside from the free sample.

In your original message you mentioned that your wife did receive a second product. And I guess the third could be in the post and on its way now.

The company could dispute the chargebacks, which would mean the money could be taken from your account again. However, given the scammy nature of the way they operate, that's probably unlikely to happen.

sheltster wrote: »

However, the Guardian article says that these recurring payments are notoriously difficult to stop!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/17/free-skin-cream-trial-victims

Recurring payments are easier to stop now: http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/banking/2012/05/consumers-wrongly-advised-about-regular-payments.

pinkdalek

sheltster wrote: »

Is there a specific number for reporting this to the Halifax, I don't want to get caught up with Alan from New Delhi but want to speak to someone in the UK

Thanks

Halifax's call centres are UK based, but out of interest how would you feel if you spoke to a Mohammed in their Leeds call centre?

As for the post it does sound like a scam and you need to report it asap.

Walaboobah

pinkdalek wrote: »

Halifax's call centres are UK based, but out of interest how would you feel if you spoke to a Mohammed in their Leeds call centre?

As for the post it does sound like a scam and you need to report it asap.

That wouldn't bother me, I just think it's stupid the way they give English names to clearly non-English people!

I have reported it

pinkdalek

sheltster wrote: »

That wouldn't bother me, I just think it's stupid the way they give English names to clearly non-English people!

I have reported it

Why? What will it achieve?

MarkyMarkD

sheltster wrote: »

I've rung the Halifax and they have said they'll stop further payments being taken and will charge back the company for the money as we haven't received any goods aside from the free sample.

If you have made a misleading statement to create a chargeback request, that is fraud on your part.

Your wife said she received TWO items - the sample, and another. So the second payment (presumably the first for £80) is legitimate.

Banks are not responsible for foolishly expensive purchases their customers agree to make.