taxreturngateway.com

Hermione_Granger

NickYCFC wrote: »

Any suggestions on how we can ensure others don't make the same mistake would be very welcome.

I suppose suggesting that before people tick the "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions" box, they do actually read them rather than blindly ticking isn't the sort of suggestion that you want is it?

dodger1

Hermione_Granger wrote: »

I suppose suggesting that before people tick the "I have read and agree to the terms and conditions" box, they do actually read them rather than blindly ticking isn't the sort of suggestion that you want is it?

Or in this case simply read the homepage.

Pollycat

NickYCFC wrote: »

Sorry to hear that, Mrs Z. I wonder how many of us there are out there? Any suggestions on how we can ensure others don't make the same mistake would be very welcome.

I believe wealdroam has already made suggestions about how you can maybe ensure others don't make the same mistake:

NickYCFC wrote: »

For those of us drawn like moths to the 'Gateway' URL and the big 'Submit Your Tax Assessment Online Now!' button (because we're naive/simple/luddites), a simple tick box or button confirming that the customer understands that this is not the HMRC site and that the service is chargeable would prevent people making this mistake.

I'm sure many of you would perceive that as unnecessary, but this would at least ensure that their service was being used by people who WANTED the extra level of suppor they offer.

wealdroam wrote: »

That's a good point you make Nick.

Perhaps you should put that idea to those people that may be able to force a change... maybe your MP, the OFT, Consumers Association, etc.

really_angry

I'm just another of those idiots who fell for this and have paid £500 for my stupidity. However, the words Gateway and Tax Return are designed to fool us. It's only the second time I ever filed an online return. If these people had any integrity, they would make it a lot clearer that you are not on the HMRC website. The fact that numbers of people have made the same mistake says a lot. I don't need reminding I'm an idiot, but nevertheless this still seems like a deliberate attempt to dupe innocent people. Can nothing be really be done?

really_angry

I rang Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08454040506. They are referring it to Trading Standards and advised me to send formal letter of complaint to Tax Return Gateway, recorded delivery. I have absolutely no expectation of ever getting my money back, but people do need to be alerted. It is so despicable.

really_angry

And the phone number provided on Tax Return Gateway's e-mail is unobtainable.

wealdroam

really_angry wrote: »

Can nothing be really be done?

Here's an extract from a recent MSE News item about taxreturngateway:

I've been caught out. Can I get my money back?

In short, it's very difficult to get a refund. HMRC says many of these sites ask people to sign up to complicated, binding agreements, which are very difficult to get out of. Most forum users report these companies have been reluctant to hand back payments.

However, if you believe you've been misled or the website didn't make it clear it was a paid service, and you want to cancel your contract and get a refund, it's worth directly contacting the firm in question to ask.

You can also report the incident to the OFT or Trading Standards by calling the Citizens Advice consumer service on 0845 404 0506.

powerful_Rogue

really_angry wrote: »

If these people had any integrity, they would make it a lot clearer that you are not on the HMRC website.

No offence, but they do.

Theres numerous warnings and comparisons on the homepage.

TRG I personally think is one of the better sites for highlighting they are not an official site.

Thoroughlyfedup

I have just lost £650! I didn't see the warnings until it was too late. I too was drawn to the 'Submit your on-line tax return' button. I cannot believe I was so stupid! I neither needed nor wanted the checking and forwarding service. I genuinely (naively) thought I was going straight through to HMRC.


This is immoral - I understand that similar web sites (run by the same people) - driving licences, passports, eu health cards have been shut down. This one has got to be next. I feel sick!

powerful_Rogue

Thoroughlyfedup wrote: »

This is immoral - I understand that similar web sites (run by the same people) - driving licences, passports, eu health cards have been shut down. This one has got to be next. I feel sick!

They havent been shut down, they are still active.

The OFT investigated them and confirmed they were legal.

In their T&C's

If an order or payment is cancelled, for any reason, prior to the commencement of our Services provision, you will be refunded any monies paid in relation to those purchases.

Have you contacted the company and seen if you could cancel the order?