SCAM! Free Time program through the post any one had this through?

zagfles

PGB99 wrote: »

Well..... 4 days later and the 99 is back in my account! From Free Time, with an apology. So, no problem.

You asked why this is still happening. The reason it is still happening is people don't report it to their bank as a fraudulent transaction, they contact the retailer and ask for a refund. That's like asking a pickpocket for your money back as I said above. You get sorted but they get to carry on as nothing will be done to stop them.

If everyone reports it to their bank as an unauthorised transaction and doesn't accept the bank fobbing them off by saying contact the retailer (just because it makes their lives easier), demanding a refund (which they have to provide unless they get proof of authorisation), they'll soon have their card handling facilities withdrawn.

But if people take the easy way out and ask the retailer for a refund, they'll just carry on and this thread will last another 4 years.

nickymumto5

Hi all, just like you guys, i bought those space systems bags over the web. Today i received a "brochure" from Freetime also known as Rewarding Discoveries.

I called the customer services of byspacesystems.co.uk on 0203 455 2723 and gave them an earfulll for selling MY debit card details. The poor chap must have thought i was a right loon. He then gave me a telephone number of Rewarding Discoveries on 0203 455 7699.

I called Rewarding Discoveries and cancelled my FREE TRIAL. I asked her if she could send me an email to confirm the cancellation but they cant do that???? I demanded a confirmation of cancellation and she said they would arrange customer services do that.

BTW, I tried to speak with my banks fraud team to try to cancel any payment from this company, but the lady i spoke with was as useful as a chocolate fireguard!!!! She said there was nothing she could do. Might think about changing my bank also cos of this. Hope this info may help people in the future, see you do not need to call any 0844 numbers or Marbella!!

warty_2

On 5 Aug, my credit card co. declined a charge attempt from Free Time for £99.99 and again on 12 August. I was away travelling, and discovered my card blocked, so I phoned them and discovered this.
I had bought some vacuum storage bags from "originalspacebag" .co.uk on 5 May, but not received any brochure or any other communication - I did receive the bags though.
My credit card co. did not tell me why they blocked these transactions, but I assume they may have already had complaints.
Much larger transactions than these (and valid/legit.) via Paypal and MoneyGram had not been blocked.
I did not lose money, and got a new card.
I will never buy from OriginalSpaceBags again, and now I have found this forum, I am going to take it further with my credit card co.

stroppy_mare_2

I too have bought space bags from space systems and I made sure that I unchecked the boxes on the order form that meant I DID NOT want any details of products from Space systems and DID Not want any details of products and offers from third party organizations recommended by them. The bags arrived with in a couple a days and shortly after I received a phone call claiming to be from Space systems I was very angry as I had indicated I did not want any contact from them. I made it clear to the male caller I wasn't interested in any more products or services. He was determined I take this free trial and I pointed out to him I wasn't interested in it I am disabled I do not travel anywhere at no point did he say I would be billed for this club or that my details had been passed on to another company.
The brochure and letter arrived and I tried to phone the number 08444412898 but no one was answering on the 3 times I let the phone ring for over 20 mins each time. I phoned my bank and checked my account and as the money hadn't been taken out I closed that account and the bank have sent me a new card.
I then rang Space systems and lost my temper with them I told them they had one hour to contact Free time and get back to me or I would be ringing the police.In the time I had given them I contacted Trading standards and by the time I hung up 20 mins later my phone rang and it was Space systems saying they had got hold of Free time and cancelled my membership the woman admitted that the two companies work together and that they had given them my details. I said I bet they had sold them to other companies as well and the woman didn't even try to deny it. Since then I have been getting loads of spam emails and some dubious post.I have contacted the Information Commissioners Office on 03031231113 and started a case with Action Fraud on number 0300123040.
I have discovered that Mrs Joanne Moores named on this forum as being linked to Free time is also a director of Space systems

MarkySparky74

I've got one too, a nice glossy brochure waiting on the doormat when I got in from work. But I've never bought space bags, and if I order over the net, it's via PayPal. Can't think where they may have got my details from. Phoned the bank last night to give them the heads up, will be phoning card company today to block the payment and if need be, cancel my card and get a new one issued.

I vaguely recall a phone call in work, saying as a thank you for my mail order, they will send me a book of vouchers, have a look through it and if you are not interested, just chuck it in the bin - no mention of the £99.99, no mention of credit card details being held, nothing. How the hell did they get my details? Searched through statements, can't find anything that may connect the 2, will see what card co says and update asap. Luckily, no money has been taken as yet though......!

MarkySparky74

Just cancelled my cards, no money taken thankfully. Also just contacted Watchdog to inform them of it too. Will wait to see what happens next.

Does anyone know if the customer service line for Freetime is expensive to call? Want to phone to cancel before end of free trial but don't want a massive phone bill from it to add insult.....!

stroppy_mare_2

Hi Marky Sparky74 I couldn't get any answer on their premium line so out of desperation phoned space systems and funnily enough they could get hold of Free time immediately and said it was cancelled. I had already cancelled my cards. I am waiting for a reply from space systems to a letter they only have until Monday then I can contact the Information Commissioners Office about miss use of my information.

stroppy_mare_2

Still getting the run around from space systems ICO say to give them 2 more weeks but I have emailed them funny they made out they knew nothing about the letter so sent a copy to them but just got the usual crap email back saying phone Free Time about any problem. They shouldn't have still had my card information on their system 2 weeks after they had been paid. I am busy putting together an information file about this company and their practises and will be taking it further our MP has a clinic at end of the month I will go and see her.

tonyod1975

I've just noticed a payment of £99.99 from FREE TIME DUNMOW GB taken from our account without our permission. When I called originalspacebags to ask what was this taken for she informed me that it was for a subscription.....something we didn't agree to. I've asked them to contact Free Time for a refund but I doubt they'll comply.
I've spoken to the bank and there's nothing much they can do so I've reported them to Trading Standards and sent off a complaint to BBC's Watchdog. Who knows, it might do some good.

tonyod1975

I've just noticed a payment of £99.99 from FREE TIME DUNMOW GB taken from our account without our permission. When I called originalspacebags to ask what was this taken for she informed me that it was for a subscription.....something we didn't agree to. I've asked them to contact Free Time for a refund but I doubt they'll comply.
I've spoken to the bank and there's nothing much they can do so I've reported them to Trading Standards and sent off a complaint to BBC's Watchdog. Who knows, it might do some good.