Steps to take if you have been ripped-off by a copy-cat government website

George_Michael

Backbiter wrote: »

The blogger also received a detailed response stating the Passport Office's concerns and complaints about these websites - see above link for the full letter.

"The passport office's concerns but also their admittance than in general, these sites are operating legally.

Her Majesty’s Passport Office are aware of these websites, however, most operate within the law and we are unable to stop their operation. We only have powers to act against a website who claims to be Her Majesty’s Passport Office or operating on our behalf when we are not in fact associated with them

.

Smithers37

And given that they're NOT claiming to be Her Majesty's Passport Office and intact clearly state this, they are not operating outside of the law.

Pollycat

Backbiter wrote: »

Plenty of people have complained, but are met with an automated response, telling them that "the OFT does not have the power to assist or advise consumers on an individual basis."

As I found when I googled and came across this blog:

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/thieving-lying-!!!!!!!s/

The blogger also received a detailed response stating the Passport Office's concerns and complaints about these websites - see above link for the full letter.

Your link does not work.....at least not for me.

Maybe you could tell us on here what HM Passport Office's concerns are and what they are doing about the complaints.

WTFH

Pollycat wrote: »

Your link does not work.....at least not for me.

Maybe you could tell us on here what HM Passport Office's concerns are and what they are doing about the complaints.

It's because the link contains a word which questions the legitimacy of someone's birth.

Anyway, the IPS said this to her:

Her Majesty’s Passport Office are aware of these websites, however, most operate within the law and we are unable to stop their operation. We only have powers to act against a website who claims to be Her Majesty’s Passport Office or operating on our behalf when we are not in fact associated with them.

We are greatly concerned with these websites that result in either misleading people or costing the public unnecessary expense or both by providing incorrect or incomplete passport advice.

We have taken action in the past and will continue to monitor the situation in the future to determine whether further action needs to be taken with relevant regulatory authorities about websites. We are working together with GOV.UK (formerly Direct.Gov) and regulatory bodies to explore ways to counteract their activities. In the light of your concerns, we have written to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) which has regulatory responsibility for online adverts. We have asked if non-official websites can be required to provide a more explicit message to indicate that they are not acting on behalf of Her Majesty’s Passport Office (HM Passport Office). They have responded positively and are investigating similar complaints made directly to them. Indeed, on 4 September 2013, the ASA censured one of these sites and required them to cease to claim within their search results and advertising that they were the ‘Official’ UK Passport Application Service.

We await the outcome of the ASA’s further investigations but will continue to monitor websites indicating access to passport services.

We have also discussed the matter with trading standards officials. A key part of their advice is that individuals affected by using these websites should complain to the relevant regulator.

If you wish to take this matter further you can complain direct and are advised to contact the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA). Their telephone number is 020 7492 2222. Their website is http://www.asa.org.uk.

In the meantime your email relating to an unofficial website has been logged and will be noted in support for the ASA’s investigations and I will also log the extra information about the website you kindly provided in your email.

For further information on applying for passports or our free on online forms service please use the official website link https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports or contact our passport advice line on 0300 222 0000.

I am sorry for the inconvenience caused to you by the unofficial website

gb12345

WTFH wrote: »

It's because the link contains a word which questions the legitimacy of someone's birth.

Anyway, the IPS said this to her:

No mention of raising a dispute with the bank - so it looks like the IPS are another organisation that realise that would be a pointless action.

Seems that hpuse is alone (except for his alter ego) in advising that course of action.

bod1467

Pollycat wrote: »

Your link does not work.....at least not for me.

Maybe you could tell us on here what HM Passport Office's concerns are and what they are doing about the complaints.

http://asystemofrandomtangents.wordpress.com/2013/12/13/

First blog post there.

RuthnJasper

Blimey; is this thread STILL going on?!? :eek:

hpuse

meer53 wrote: »

A consumer has rights whatever they purchase.

This thread is about offering consumers advice about paying for a service by card which can be bought elsewhere, sometimes at a cheaper price. (or even free of charge) YOU started the post - remember ?

No mention was made by YOU as to what to do if a credit or debit card was used.

If a credit card was used and the consumer feels they were misled/misrepresented, they have the right to contact their bank IF the transaction was over £100 and less than £30,000. As the majority of these transactions are less than £100, Section 75 of the CCA wouldn't be available via a bank.

If a debit card was used, there is NO POINT in them contacting their bank as there is no dispute which will cover this situation.

As they cannot buy this service without either a credit or debit card, your advice is incorrect. They should contact the seller for a refund as per their procedure.

Which bit don't you understand ? All of it ? Or just the words ? Mine are in the right order, something you seem to have difficulty with.

As far as i'm aware, i'm not paralysing anyone ?

@meer53
Do you blame Google or your own ignorance for not understanding the difference between a "dispute", "protection" and "refunds" under section 75?

You can try and get a refund from your credit card company. Copies of any correspondence with the retailer involved in your complaint will help. Under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 your credit card company and the retailer could be equally liable in the event of any
breach of contract or misrepresentation.

http://www.theukcardsassociation.org.uk/individual/disputed-transactions.asp

The above is valid for all cards, as long as the issuing member organisation subscribes to the UK card associations code of conduct.

hpuse

gb12345 wrote: »

No mention of raising a dispute with the bank - so it looks like the IPS are another organisation that realise that would be a pointless action.

Seems that hpuse is alone (except for his alter ego) in advising that course of action.

Haha, I still see you are breathing 'hopes' clinging on to this thread!!
.
No mention of raising dispute is because it is not HMPO's remit to give consumer advise.

Read below with your "eyes" open

We have also discussed the matter with trading standards officials. A key part of their advice is that individuals affected by using these websites should complain to the relevant regulator.

bod1467

Q1. How much do these "scam" companies typically charge? (Quotes used deliberately)

Q2. What is the minimum charge to a credit card that is required to be able to invoke Section 75 rights?

Please check the answers to these two questions. Once you do, you'll realise your argument is flawed.