Being scammed by Wonga

GatesheadSteve

Morning folks,


I'm currently having a shambles of a time with Wonga. I’ve used them a few times now in order to try and build my credit rating. This time has been a nightmare.
I took a small loan out last month to be paid back automatically on payday. I received a text saying they were unable to receive the payment. I jumped on and paid my council tax without issue so I knew there wasn’t a fault there. I phoned Wonga (rarely managing to get through) and attempted to make a payment by phone. Sadly pressing the number 2 to make a payment cuts you off. I eventually managed to speak to a member of staff who said that they’d tried to take the payment 3 times so the bank had put a lock on my account so I’d need it lifted. After calling my bank it turned out that Wonga actually hadn’t attempted to take a payment at all that day.
Another hour of calls later and I finally get through to someone else. It turns out they’ve moved me onto a new system. A system that was unable to take payments. I tried to make a payment online while on the phone to Wonga but it refused to allow my card. This was because my card was already registered but no longer showing in the new system (a ghost card if you like). I was told I’d be called back on the Tuesday or Wednesday by a team who could deal with it. Wednesday evening and still no call so I rang them back. Guy on the phone told me I just had to wait for someone to call me as there’s nothing he can do… 3 weeks on they still haven’t called me back. I have since phoned them (same problem, they are unable to take payment due to an error on their system) and emailed multiple times but I’m getting nowhere.
So… Wonga have an error which REFUSES to allow me to pay, they won’t get in touch and won’t help. They are giving me no option to pay yet they text me every day to tell me they are charging me extra for not paying. I’ve even left messages on their facebook in which they say that they’ll get someone to call me (which has never happened) then they delete the message.
What can I do about this? At the end of my tether now

Clive_Woody

GatesheadSteve wrote: »

I'm currently having a shambles of a time with Wonga. I’ve used them a few times now in order to try and build my credit rating.

That's your fist mistake. Getting multiple payday loans will not improve your credit file, quite the opposite. Lenders will see this as a sign of desperation and problems with money.

Regarding them not taking payment, I would write a letter of complaint and send it recorded delivery stating what has happened and all of your attempts to make payment and that your bank has confirmed that they never attempted to take money from your account.

GatesheadSteve

I really didn't know that. Never crossed my mind. I sure as hell won't be using them again. I emailed a complaint a couple of weeks ago and got this back:

Thanks for your email.

We regret that you have had an unsatisfactory level of service when you tried to contact Wonga.com using the automated telephone service.

You can complete many transactions via the My Account section on the Wonga.com website.

If you are continuing to have difficulties or would like to speak to an agent, please call our escalation centre on 0800 3166745.

Less than helpful. I'll write a letter and post it. They say on the site that they don't allow you to pay on someone elses card but I don't see they have any other choice. They've left me without an option and have charged me £70 so far for the pleasure.

Thanks your your response... highly appreciated

chanz4

GatesheadSteve wrote: »

I really didn't know that. Never crossed my mind. I sure as hell won't be using them again. I emailed a complaint a couple of weeks ago and got this back:

Thanks for your email.

We regret that you have had an unsatisfactory level of service when you tried to contact Wonga.com using the automated telephone service.

You can complete many transactions via the My Account section on the Wonga.com website.

If you are continuing to have difficulties or would like to speak to an agent, please call our escalation centre on 0800 3166745.

Less than helpful. I'll write a letter and post it. They say on the site that they don't allow you to pay on someone elses card but I don't see they have any other choice. They've left me without an option and have charged me £70 so far for the pleasure.

Thanks your your response... highly appreciated

I wonder if the card failed name / address check

27col

Using Pay Day lenders is usually a sign of financial desperation, so there is no way that their use is likely to improve your credit worthiness. Think about it and you will come to the same conclusion.

Roland_Sausage

Enclose a cheque with your letter. Hoepfully they will cash it and it will be the end of the matter.

GatesheadSteve

chanz4 wrote: »

I wonder if the card failed name / address check

Nope, was a problem with the new system apparently. It affected a lot of people looking at their facebook page (although they delete the messages shortly afterwards). I won't be using them again, didn't consider it was doing more harm than good