Unauthorised direct debit

Hannahsook

Hi, this seemed like the most appropriate section, apologies if not.

I have just noticed that a £20 direct debit has been coming out of my account and I wasn't too sure why. Having looked into it, it was being taken from a gym that I had a membership with from February 2011 but had cancelled in July 2011. I subsequently found out that they have been taking this payment every month ever since, so just shy of 5 years!!

I called them up and spoke to the manager who couldn't have been more rude and unhelpful she said she took over the business in 2012 and so it was nothing to do with her and in fact said it was my own fault for not noticing the payment.

I asked to her to check her system to show that I haven't even stepped foot in there since July 2011 and she told me she can only check back for the past 6 months and for all she knows I could have been going.

In 2011 I called up to cancel and was told I could not do so over the phone so I went into the gym and cancelled in person, I therefore have no paper trail for my cancellation. Is the onus on myself to prove I cancelled? Where do I stand?

I have basically been stolen from every month for the last 5 years and feel awful about it, it's over £1000 that has been taken from me. I would really appreciate some help!

Many thanks!
Hanna

Robin9

This is an expensive lesson in not checking bank statements.

Have you now cancelled the DD ?

NYM

...and the Gym Membership?

magpiecottage

If the DD was unauthorised, you should go to your bank and explain that the payments were not authorised.

You might have some difficulty explaining why it has continued for five years but you can ask that it is reversed.