Outfox The Market Direct Debit changes

RichGit

I have spoken to an advisor at OFGEM. They have had a LOT of calls regarding this six-month division/change.
I am on a fixed price/term contract and I am told they cannot make this change for my supply.
They have a department dealing with this specific issue - hooray! But in the meantime I have been advised to write to the parent company Foxglove and get them to fix it.
Good luck everybody.

markipad

I see OTM have posted something on Facebook:


https://www.facebook.com/Outfoxthemarket/

Frustation

Just noticed MSE just posted on the blog that not only are we got the inconvenience of (illegal?) variable rate DD but they are also sneaking in a price rise too��

Merlin139

Megalodon wrote: »

I'm with Fischer Energy, which appears to operate from the same premises as OTM. My DD is also rising by around £50 per month over winter. Tried calling but "all lines are busy". No reply from emails yet. Previous energy suppliers have not worried about building up a surplus.
Wonder if my bank can refuse the rise if I ask them?

Fisher Energy is the are the owners of OFTM

bye_bye_band_G

As I'm in credit to the tune of £252 while, like others, they want to increase my DD from £82 to £143, I intended just to cancel my Direct Debit and use up some of this credit, after all , they can't cut off my supply. My first question on web chat therefore was - is there a charge for a failed DD?
I was surprised that the answer is yes - £5.
Not sure what to do now. I don't have any faith I'll see my credit of £252 returned to me any time soon, they must be swamped with people asking for their credit back. And I actually can't even pay them £143 without the return of that credit - I'm a pensioner.

redfox

the MSE article on this can be found here https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/news/2018/11/outfox-the-market-hikes-energy-bills-a-third-time-and-increases-/

grumbler

Frustation wrote: »

(illegal?) variable rate DD

Variable rate DD is perfectly legal as long as they inform you about the amount in advance.

Pete99

I wonder if people would have a claim for compensation if OutFox take the massively increased DD from someone's account putting it in overdraft, there doesn't seem to be any way to stop them taking the money because it takes around 21 days to switch to another supplier and they've given us 10 working days, and there also doesn't appear to be any limit as to how much they can take, this doesn't just apply to OutFox as other smaller suppliers seem to be doing the same thing.

Pete99

I wonder if Ofgem are aware and what they think about the practice, and wouldn't they also be regulated by the Financial Services Authority as to what they can and can't do with customers money.

Dad_Deep_Pockets

In a story worthy of a Black Adder plot I smell a business model collapse. OTM fearing they cannot afford the hike in Wholesale energy have devised a cunning plan, with the cunning fox from the University of cunning. Why not tell all our customers we are raising their direct debits by 75% over the Christmas period and see if they notice? Its for their own good so I'm sure they'll understand.
Well we did, we understood you have no idea of the power of the consumer. I and many others have switched and by god am I cancelling my direct debit now. In breach of contract yes, but looking at social media I think they will be lucky to be solvent by Friday next week.
Queue Black Adder credits .........