La Redoute opened credit account without permission

ripplyuk

I've had one problem after another since placing my first order. I was getting endless marketing emails from them, even though I ticked the opt out box. About 3 every half hour at times, many of them simply repeated. Finally I got this sorted.

I returned the parcel so I was expecting the refund to go onto my credit card but I've just received a letter about a credit account that they have set up for me, despite me specifically ticking the box to say I didn't want that and preferred to just pay by card. They've added the refund to this credit account instead of refunding my card.

I don't want to use this account or buy anything else from them. I'm a bit upset because now this account will be on my credit file for years. I know it's not likely to do any harm but I still think it was really cheeky of them to set it up when I asked them not to.

Is there any way to get this account completely 'wiped' or am I stuck with it for the foreseeable future on every credit report? Are there no rules/regulations to prevent them setting up accounts without permission?

Autumnella

Sorry I don't have an answer to your questions but they also sell on all your details. I know because I created a new account, put my title as Dr and deliberately spelled my name wrong to take advantage of a new discount code and I started receiving junk mail through the post from other companies in that name.

AliceBanned

La Redoute did the same to me. I did use a credit account with them for a while (because I wanted it) but for the same reason as you, wanting a better credit file, I paid it off an closed it. Over the phone that was the agreement but several months later it was still not closed. The second time I asked they did close it but I agree, they are sneaky. I would suggest you phone them and tell them firmly that you want them to close this credit account. I don't understand how they are allowed to do it without your permission!

bod1467

Phone them and record the call (tell them you're doing so). Then follow up the call with an email to confirm the agreement. That way you have proof of their actions and the agreed remedy (which should be to close the credit account and provide the refund to the original payment method).

ripplyuk

I've already started getting extra junk mail through the post. Now I understand why.

I had to contact them a number of times when I started getting constant emails from them. Despite having it in writing that they'd sorted it out, it didn't stop until I contacted them again.

Is there any sort of ombudsman or regulatory body that deals with this? It must be against some sort of rule to be opening credit accounts without permission. I don't know if selling on details is legal either.

ripplyuk

I contacted them (again!) and they said that the account statement had been sent in error. They reassured me that they hadn't opened a credit account at all. Bit unsure if I believe that, but anyway.

And now, I'm getting catalogues and junk mail from them, again :mad:

I specifically opted out to any mailings from the beginning, rang them twice when I started getting them anyway. When that didn't work, I emailed and got a response that they'd definitely removed me from their mailing list, and eventually had to make a complaint in writing. That worked, until now.

I just don't know what else to do! It seems impossible to get rid of them.

Castle

ripplyuk wrote: »

I just don't know what else to do! It seems impossible to get rid of them.

Send them a Section 11 notice (see the 1998 Data Protection Act) which requires them to stop all marketing within 28 days. This is what I normally write:-
In accordance with section 11 of the 1998 Data Protection Act, I now write to request that you cease, or not to begin, processing for the purposes of direct marketing, any personal data in respect of which I am the data subject.

If they fail to stop they are in breach of the 1998 DPA.