Ebay puchase with Halifax Visa Debit Card - Won't pay out!

chrisjoanne

Hi

I just want some clarification from some users please.

I purchased an item on Ebay which was sold to me "NEW" (the advert said this). However, on close inspection of the item I purchased, I found out it was either second hand, returned or ex-demo.
The purchase was for a motorised in-car screen.
I have informed the seller and told him what I received. He has told me that a new unit was sent out and will not refund.
The unit cost £300.
I have now informed PayPal and I need to wait the seller’s response.

After looking at how the unit was paid for, I noticed it was partly paid by PayPal funds and the vast majority by credit card.
I used my Halifax Visa Debit Card and presumed I would be covered if PayPal possibly rule in his favour.
I have spoken to customer services and Halifax will not pay out if a Debit Card has been used for any online purchase.
Is this correct?
I thought if any card was used when paying for goods online, you would be protected.
I was told by the Halifax that I should be very careful when using my Debit Card online and need to check out the sellers feedback etc and only pay for items when I am 100% happy - this is exactly what I did do, but feel I'm being let down by the Halifax. No protection at all? That can't be right.
To put the icing on the cake, I mistakenly used my wife’s card to pay for the unit and this took her over her arranged overdraft limit and we now have £58 in payment charges too! I've only just received £118 from our joint account for overcharges by the Halifax and can't believe I've got to get another letter sent off to them for their unlawful charges. My mistake though, so can't blame anyone there!

Cheers
Chris

King_Of_Fools

Only credit cards offer the protection by law.

There are some reports that Visa may offer some protection on Visa Debit transactions but it is not enforced by law so they can decide not to if they want to. Also as you only paid part of the price by card you would only be able to get a refund on that part not on the rest of the £300.

You best bet would be to follow this up using the eBay and PayPal guarantees - that way you should be able to get a full refund.

arealhighlander

Yup, they are right. Too many people think plastic is plastic. But there is a vast difference between Debit and Credit cards, sorry!

tripled

As far as I am aware with Visa debit cards you have the same chargeback protection as with credit cards. The problem is you haven't paid the seller directly, you have paid paypal who have then paid the seller, so it is down to the discretion of the bank whether to initiate a chargeback or not.