can someone help regarding unauthorised debit payments

mizzy

Good Afternoon, I really need some advice and quick.

Today I went to collect my DLA money from my account only to find that this had been taken.
I contacted my bank who said it was hasting direct they took 2 payments one for £176 and one for £72
My partner insured his car with them but changed policies the direct debit was cancelled about 3 months ago, today they decided to help themselves to my DLA now I have nothing

I spoke to the bank who said there was nothing they could do? so I cant even cancel payments going out my account?
They told me to contact hastings to which I did and I told them these were not authorised so why did they take them to which they replied I cant tell you

I need some advice as to how I can stop these it has left us with no money.

meer53

Your partner needs to call Hastings to see why they have debited. Did you give them your card details for the original payments ? If the policy was cancelled there may have been some admin fees or cancellation charges. Do you have a copy of the T & C's you could have a look at ?

Hastings_Direct_company_representative

Hi mizzy,

Thanks for posting about this, I am sure I can help you get this sorted out. Send me an email with yours and your partners details and I will ensure that the appropriate team gets in contact to resolve this. [EMAIL="socialmedia@hastingsdirect.com"]socialmedia@hastingsdirect.com[/EMAIL]

Many Thanks,
Jamie

maninthestreet

Were the DD's actualy cancelled by you by instructing your bank?
If so, your bank should re-imburse you uner the DD guarantee.

dalesrider

So to be clear partner is no longer insured with Hastings... If so.

Ring bank. Quote Payment services directive and that the 2 payments are unrecognised. As you no longer have any dealing with Hastings.
As such THEY HAVE TO refund your account straight away.
If they fail to do so. Then raise a complaint... Failure to comply with PSD is a big NO No in bank land....

But make sure that your partner has no ins still with them or it will be cancelled and they will have to declare this in the future.

thatsean

If the card was used for a DD deposit for the insurance, and the insurance payments have been defaulted then Hastings are entitled to take the money, as per the terms of the insurance contract. If the op volunteered the use of their card then they are accepting liability for this. You say your partner cancelled the insurance? Was this after 12 months? Was the balance settled? If not, that could be your answer.

Agricolae

I'm not clear as to whether these were direct debits (which Hastings have reinstated) or whether they've taken payment on a debit card.

If you dispute Hastings' authority to take direct debits then usually it's best to take up with them first. If you don't get anywhere then you can perform a direct debit indemnity through your bank. This is what dalesrider has described, and you'd do well to read the rest of their advice about accidentally cancelling any insurance policy your partner may still have.

If the payment is a debit card transaction then you can raise a chargeback if the transactions are showing on your statement.