'Free Time' took money from my credit card

esman

I've just received a letter from a company called 'Free Time' - based in Spain although the postmark is Greenford in UK - congratulating me on a year's membership and advising they're about to charge my credit card £99.99 for a second year's 'membership'.
I checked my statements from last year and find - to my surprise and dismay - that they charged the same amount last year - don't know how I missed it, but...
I spoke to my credit card company and they said there was no way they could prevent Free Time claimimg the second amount and that I would have to contact them to cancel the 'arrangement'. So I've closed my card account on the basis, no account no charge.
I hope that works for this time, but does anyone have any experience in retrieving the original amount?
Seems odd that a company can acquire your account details and charge an account without authorisation?
Any info/help would be appreciated.
Regards
Esman

DCFC79

I suspect you signed up for the service sometime or ticked a box somewhere.

Write to the address on the letter requesting a refund.

shaun_from_Africa

esman wrote: »

So I've closed my card account on the basis, no account no charge.
I hope that works for this time, but does anyone have any experience in retrieving the original amount?

Simply closing your credit card account doesn't mean that the company concerned can't or won't take another payment and if they do so, the card company may well pursue you for the money.

Closing a credit card account will stop any further authorisations for new payments being accepted by the card company but it doesn't stop any already authorised transactions and if you did somehow sign up with "free time", the payment will be authorised.

You should contact your card issuer again and tell them bluntly that you did not authorise Free time to take any money from your account nor did you give them your card details so they must have obtained these details from another company.

Do you remember making any purchases from a company called originalspacebag.co.uk? as they seem to be the ones passing on payment details.
https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/4515989

wealdroam

OP, as well as Shaun's good advice, you might like to remind your credit card company that they are obliged to act upon a request from you to cancel the continuous payment authority that is undoubtedly in place.

Here is the FCA's confirmation of that:

Continuous payment authorities: it is your right to cancel

esman

Some useful thoughts there guys, espcially the FCA comment.
Many thanks guys
Esman

esman

The morning following receiving 'Free Time' s letter I rang the 0844 number provided - somewhat worried in case it was a line designed to keep you holding on while the call charges clocked up but, to my surprise I found myself speaking to a young man within one minute of connection.

An even greater surprise was his manner, which was one of concern for any problem caused, a promise that my 'membership' was now cancelled and that no further sums would be charged to my credit card, and a referral to their customer service dept to seek refund. Sounds too good to be true? We shall see ! I wrote to their office in Spain - by recorded delivery - to confirm my cancellation and refund claim.

Today (Monday 16th) a lady from the 'spacebags' company telephoned to find out the nature of my complaint. She told me that refunds take 5 to 7 days to process and that I should ring her again if nothing happens.

Now spoken once more to my credit card company and they say that. as I have officially cancelled my 'membership', they can now put a 'stop' on any further collection of funds from my account. Not hopeful on them making any refund though.

Hopefully this all adds up to progress !

Thanks to all for help and advise.
Esman