Direct debits not being collected - Pipex

poppy8

I have now received a letter and email from Pipex (internet provider) saying that there is an outstanding balance and no method of payment showing on my account.

I have checked with my Bank and there are four direct debits set up for Pipex. They haven't been taking the money out since November 2006. I have written and emailed Pipex (can't get through to them on the phone, put on hold everytime) saying this but they are now threatening to cut off my internet account. What can I do? I don't really want to set up a fifth direct debit. Any suggestions?

kevster1009

Well fancy that......SNAP! From November 2006 no payments, and also a Direct Debit IS set up on my account.

What to do indeed, got the letter this week.

1Sandra2

I am with Bulldog (now owned by Pipex) and have had exactly the same problem, took me about 8 months to actually use the DD I had set up over and over again. They must have about 10 DD's by now, they are useless!

x_Wilco_x

Yup... same here! Been told they have some 'internal system problems' with setting up direct debits. I just phone billing each month and pay via debit card to keep my account clear until they 'rectify' the situation!

poppy8

Thanks everyone, at least I know I am not alone with this. I will wait and see if I get any response via email or letter.

mattbass

I set up a direct debit with them 2 months ago and it is working fine. Maybe they have sorted the problems now?

ethelhead

I was going to cancel Pipex, but was persuaded to stay on the basis that I would get 4 months free and from then on a cheaper monthly subscription, same "solo to go" 1 meg unlimited package and no new contract.

11 months on and they've still not debited any further amounts from the DD that was operating fine up until October last year. Each month I check my online account and find a nil invoice. Although I'd like to change ISP to get a faster connection, I'm a little reluctant to flag up their error. The money is kindof set aside so if they demand payment I could cough up (I have used the service after all), but I wonder if they can legally pursue me for charges I haven't been invoiced for were I to draw their attention to the error by cancelling the direct debit?

Wouldn't be easy to go without the net for a month or so, but it might do me some good