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Merrywood Loan Explorer Illegal Charges

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Hi Folks

I wanted to ask for some advice. A company called Merrywood Loan explorer have been consistently taking money from my account for the past few months without my permission or knowing until the amount left the account. So far they have taken £99.97 from my account.

I have contacted my bank and they are unable to stop their payments. I contacted Merrywood on numerous occasions who said they apologise and would refund me. But on each occasion they break that promise and never refund, just take more money. This has been going on since January.

I have started a case with the Ombudsman as I find this whole thing a disgrace, however that case will take time to move.

I wanted to ask for some advice as to what I could do to:
  1. Stop any more charges
  2. Reclaim a full refund to the £99.97 they have taken to date
  3. And also possibly start a case against Merrywood to hit them with a penalty for their actions and also possible compensation for inconvenience and interest charges I have incurred.
I would be grateful for any comments and advice.


Thanks

Comments

  • stevemLS
    stevemLS Posts: 1,067 Forumite
    Why do the bank say they are unable to stop payments?

    You will be able to claim a refund, "penalties" are unlawful in english contract law but you would be able to claim any direct costs such as charges and interest. You won't get anywhere for inconvenience - the attitude of the courts is that it has to be exceptional, "life has its conveniences", the FOS adopt that view.
  • grumbler
    grumbler Posts: 58,629 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    edited 23 May 2014 at 9:22AM
    Don't let your bank fob you off.
    If the transactions were unauthorised they have to be refunded with all related charges unless they can prove that they were authorised.
    If it is a CPA they can't stop it, but must keep refunding all debits automatically:
    Continuous payment authority: recurring payments
    Bank failed to cancel regular payment? Claim

    "Loan Explorer" - sounds like some loan broker. Are you sure you've never had any business with them?
  • stevemLS
    stevemLS Posts: 1,067 Forumite
    stevemLS wrote: »
    Why do the bank say they are unable to stop payments?

    You will be able to claim a refund, "penalties" are unlawful in english contract law but you would be able to claim any direct costs such as charges and interest. You won't get anywhere for inconvenience - the attitude of the courts is that it has to be exceptional, "life has its inconveniences", the FOS adopt that view.

    D'oh! Missed the essential "in"!
  • Aquamania
    Aquamania Posts: 2,112 Forumite
    edited 23 May 2014 at 11:48AM
    Hi Folks

    I wanted to ask for some advice. A company called Merrywood Loan explorer have been consistently taking money from my account for the past few months without my permission or knowing until the amount left the account. So far they have taken £99.97 from my account.

    I have contacted my bank and they are unable to stop their payments. I contacted Merrywood on numerous occasions who said they apologise and would refund me. But on each occasion they break that promise and never refund, just take more money. This has been going on since January.

    I have started a case with the Ombudsman as I find this whole thing a disgrace, however that case will take time to move.

    I wanted to ask for some advice as to what I could do to:
    1. Stop any more charges
    2. Reclaim a full refund to the £99.97 they have taken to date
    3. And also possibly start a case against Merrywood to hit them with a penalty for their actions and also possible compensation for inconvenience and interest charges I have incurred.
    I would be grateful for any comments and advice.


    Thanks

    As already asked, what do the bank state in their response to your complaint as to why they are unable to stop payments?

    How do you think the lender obtained your bank details?

    Are you sure you've not had a loan from them at some time? If you did, are you sure you have paid them back in accordance with the terms of that loan? Have they confirmed that?
  • Browntoa
    Browntoa Posts: 49,602 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Photogenic
    from their home page FAQ's

    Is there a fee for your service?


    Yes, we charge a fee of £69.95, however choosing Merrywood Loan Explorer saves you both time and hassle and – most importantly – can help to ensure you get the best loan terms available to you. We work hard to keep our fees low so as to provide the very best service to our customers as possible.

    feedback thread here

    http://www.complaintsboard.com/complaints/merrywood-loanscouk-unauthorised-use-of-card-details-c656632.html
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