Direct debit set up on my account without my permission.

monkey_writer

I got a free 3 months with the taste card for which I had to give my bank account details so they could continue it if I didn't cancel in time. I did cancel it.

But while I was with them they called and offered me a trial 3 issues of Empire Magazine and FHM for only £1.

They said they would contact me once I'd had the 3 issues and ask if I wanted to take out a subscription, but that I wouldn't automatically be given one. So I agreed, and I had them sent to my brother's house.

Two days ago, checking through my accounts, I discovered that the company had then set up a direct debit on my account and given me subscriptions for both magazines.

The total that has come out of my account (not including the original £1) is £49.

The company name is Great Magazines, and the name on the direct debit is BAUER CONSUMER MED.

I did not agree to this direct debit being set up, and I was not told that it would be set up. As soon as I noticed it I cancelled it online and emailed them.

So far they've only played dumb and said they can cancel the subscription, but cannot refund. My bank (Natwest) say they can reverse direct debits, but only on the same day as they are taken out.

Surely this is theft or fraud? Is there a protection body I can go to who will help me, or do I need to report it to the police?

And shouldn't my bank check with me before setting up direct debits on my account?

What can I do to get my money back?

Thanks!

grumbler

monkey_writer wrote: »

...My bank (Natwest) say they can reverse direct debits, but only on the same day as they are taken out.

Your bank is fobbing you off. Google for 'Direct Debit guarantee'. Then call your bank again, quote it and demand a full and immediate refund.

jonesMUFCforever

I agree with Grumbler - the bank can and should refund you under the D/D indemnity scheme.

However whenever I have read about or had details of these ''deals'' the onus is usually on you to CANCEL the subscription before the charge is made. If you failed to cancel they might send debt collectors onto you to collect the subs recalled.
I hope you have proof that you cancelled.

stclair

The advisor was fibbing to you.

Call them on 023 8022 6443 press option 2 then option 4.

The tell them you want to cancel and recall the DD under the DDS.

pmduk

Just check, was it taken as a DD or a continuous payment from your card. I t makes a big difference.

Agricolae

As others have said, the bank can get the money back for you.

Here are the reasons you can give:
http://www.smartdebit.co.uk/ddic-reason-codes/

Just ask to raise a Direct Debit Indemnity Claim.

BASFORDLAD

The bank must give u an immediate refund . No excuses.

You were easily robbed off

Agricolae

In fairness to the member of staff the advice you're given depends on how the conversation goes. When customers call banks they often explain things in very vague terms and it's up to the member of staff to decipher what they're saying. One of the main ones is people confusing direct debits, standing orders and card payments.

That said, it's up to the member of staff to figure out what's going on and to give the best advice, which the topic creator didn't get.

If the D/D is actually a CPA (continuous payment authority) taken off the person's debit card (will likely appear as "POS" on the statement), then the topic creator needs to speak to the "Visa Debit Helpdesk" or "Retailer Disputes" or "Chargebacks" (they are all the same department).