Issues with Direct Finance Collections (DFC)

hgd7

I searched this forum to see the last post on DFC was quite a few years back. This firm has some of the worst reviews on trustpilot. It is a money collection service for gyms and other organisations for direct debit payments. 

I signed my daughter up to a weekly football school. In doing so, I received an email from DFC with my details and direct debit info. There was a signing and date space at the bottom, which clearly I did not sign or print out to send back. Few months later, as all kids do, they get bored. So I cancelled the DD with my bank and thought nothing of it. I received an email from DFC demanding payment for the month ahead and also a late fee of £15. I re read the terms I received in the original email and it clearly states to give one months notice to them. Even though I had not signed anything, I agreed to make payment and the late fee and continue the class for another month. While also at the same time, going to DFC portal and providing my notice to leave for the following month.

So it's all good right? well, the email I received when cancelling, was a auto generated message stating no action will be taken for 10 days as they have a backlog due to Covid - still using that excuse 2 years on? So on comes the next month and guess what......received an email stating late payment and fees again......

I don't believe I am liable for this, as I did my part and gave notice 1 months in advance as per their terms - because they never actioned it for 10 days after my notice, I do not see how that is my problem. Reading other reviews on trustpilot, it seems everyone has had the same issue via their sign ups to gyms etc....problem now is the treat of debt collectors and hit on my credit file....any idea where I stand on this? Thanks