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Issue with debt collection

Not sure where to post this but I think this section is right. 
I have a disagreement with an online subscription service. I know I checked a box to not auto renew and yet my service auto renewed and they’re wanting over £300.
It was on an old email I rarely use so didn’t get the warnings. 
Of course I don’t want to pay as it’s a tech issue at their end but they’re threatening debt recovery etc

any Idea where I stand? 
Can they just ruin my credit history?
can debt recovery people start charging me for letters or visits etc? 

Comments

  • Graham1982
    Graham1982 Posts: 133 Forumite
    100 Posts Fifth Anniversary Name Dropper
    Hello

    I guess it comes down to their discretion, and failing that, your word against theirs. I guess that what might stand in your favour is if you didn't use the service after the time in which the free trial period was over. 

    For example, if it was Netflix, you watched for a month and then never logged into it again, you might have a case for genuinely thinking the trial had come to an end. If however, you continued to use the service it would be difficult to prove good faith on your part.

    If the Co. Pany is based in the UK you could write to them outlining your concerns and say you will be raising this with trading standards (or whatever relevant ombudsman there might be).

    These are just ideas and I replied to the post to get the ball rolling, hopefully someone will be able to give more specific advice later. 

    Thanks 

    Graham 
  • Thanks Graham. They are indeed UK based so I’ll certainly write to them as email seems to simply generate the same repetitive response. 

    If anyone could in the meantime give some advice on where I stand with regards to credit rating and what the threat/reality of debt collectors entails that would be great. 

    Thanks again

  • sourcrates
    sourcrates Posts: 29,757 Ambassador
    Part of the Furniture Debt-free and Proud! Post of the Month PPI Party Pooper
    edited 9 October 2022 at 12:52PM
    baldemort said:
    Thanks Graham. They are indeed UK based so I’ll certainly write to them as email seems to simply generate the same repetitive response. 

    If anyone could in the meantime give some advice on where I stand with regards to credit rating and what the threat/reality of debt collectors entails that would be great. 

    Thanks again

    I answered that on your first thread -

    "However, to quickly answer your question, subscription services don`t usually report to credit files, you can only be charged what your original agreement says you can be charged, debt collectors have no power to charge you, they can supply an invoice, and you can choose to either pay it, or not pay it.

    Doubtful you will receive a knock at the door, mostly you will get a few letters, calls, eventually they will forget about you.

    If you want to dispute the debt, do so in writing".
    I’m a Forum Ambassador and I support the Forum Team on the Debt free wannabe, Credit file and ratings, and Bankruptcy and living with it boards. If you need any help on these boards, do let me know. Please note that Ambassadors are not moderators. Any posts you spot in breach of the Forum Rules should be reported via the report button, or by emailing forumteam@moneysavingexpert.com. All views are my own and not the official line of MoneySavingExpert.For free non-judgemental debt advice, contact either Stepchange, National Debtline, or CitizensAdviceBureaux.Link to SOA Calculator- https://www.stoozing.com/soa.php The "provit letter" is here-https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/2607247/letter-when-you-know-nothing-about-about-the-debt-aka-prove-it-letter
  • baldemort
    baldemort Posts: 31 Forumite
    First Anniversary Combo Breaker First Post
    Thanks again, it really helps 
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