From Frugal Foundations to Fortified Family Future

Greying_Pilgrim

tmv - although I didn't expect the TL CSA to say anything, I did ask if there had been anyone else reporting issues, and of course, they said, "no, we are still receiving bookings".  But then they did mention about the website issues and timing out, so.......... I've never bought anything online before, and had the money taken/requested if the transaction has failed in some way.  If the transaction has failed, the money hasn't been taken.  

I can't quite get over how rocked i am by it all - I've potentially lost £200.   The second CS person seemed to have encountered this issue before, because they said the money wouldn't be taken - and that if I emailed, CS would reply to that effect - that's the email I have to wait 3 - 5 days for at least.  

Anyway, first world problem.  

Greying X

Cheery_Daff

Gosh, that is all extremely vexing GP!! Please don't blame yourself - if I'd got an error screen during the process I too would have tried again rather than just giving up on my holiday 🙄 Sorry the bank weren't more sympathetic. I hope it can all be sorted out. I imagine if TL DO take your money, and cannot produce a booking, there are ways and means, but really, what a faff. So sorry.

badmemory

If those payments are showing as pending I expect they will disappear shortly.  If you buy petrol at a pump (which I will never do for this reason) they immediately put £120 as pending.  Then when you complete your purchase they put the actual amount through.  The £120 is supposed to disappear straight away but often doesn't - but it does disappear eventually.  Try not to worry too much (easier said than done I know).

Greying_Pilgrim

Oh badmemory - I so hope that is the case.  I've never seen the pending amount from a petrol pump in 'real' time - although I understand the reasoning behind it.  

Thank you everyone who's taken the time and trouble to comment - know that it is appreciated.  I can't help feeling so utterly, utterly stupid - but you're right, that aids nowt, and fingers crossed it is just a 'process' and it'll disappear off when there is no actual booking to marry it up to.  

plant-based balls, rice and tommie sauce for tea.  I've let myself get a bit distracted.  

Greying X

Moneywhizz

I had a problem with a petrol station recently and ended up with a pending transaction for £40 and no petrol. Like you my bank told me to take it up with the petrol station. That was a mammoth task trying to find contact details but eventually got an email to say that the transaction would be cancelled. It took over a week for that to happen, most frustrating and no one cares if you cannot afford to be out of pocket all that time. Try not to worry, they cannot charge you for nothing so you will eventually get the money back, but it is such a terrible way to treat people and it is hard to put it out of your mind. 

Greying_Pilgrim

Oh gosh Moneywhizz - I can only imagine how difficult it was to track down the 'owners' of a petrol pump - the forecourts are owned by different firms to the petrol suppliers, to the supermarkets its near - an absolute rabbit hole to find 'owners' - and owners who take 'responsibility' at that.  And you're right - no one cares, absolutely no one c.a.r.e.s.  I was fortunate in that the CHB, had landed, so the pendings haven't wiped out the account, but TL don't care that they've ring-fenced and tied up LG's CHB.  

I'm not getting any enjoyment from hearing experiences of other MSE'rs, but you are all proving that this happens, and we could get back on track - albeit we might have to wait.  Thank you for coming here and for your reassurances. It is greatly appreciated.  I know that several MFW'rs are going through some tough times, and my first world problem seems nothing but a gnat bite in comparison.  But you've come and helped me, and talked to me, just as you are helping and supporting other MFW'rs and their families. 

Thank you from the bottom of my heart.  

Greying X

beanielou

I susspect the money is 'earmarked' by the bank & the earmarking will drop off in the next couple of days max.

Greying_Pilgrim

Sigh, just for transparency, TL have taken a payment off DH's credit card too.  The Credit Card provider said DH would have to go "on the website" and request the money back.  Doesn't that mean "if we did internet banking".  I couldn't understand why he couldn't request it over the telephone.  I have had it with TL  the webpage did the error message just after we had done the authentification.  DH's CC is with a different company to my bank.  

Sorry - not looking for answers.  Just so fed up.  TL have ring-fenced, or acquired a great deal of our money - I don't see how this can be a way of operating. 

Greying X

badmemory

Have you checked that those payments are not just pending.  These should only be a problem if you are near your credit limit.

Greying_Pilgrim

badmemory - I wasn't in on the conversation ref the credit card.  DH said that the money was showing (on the CSA screen at the end of a phone line) as 'taken' - but we actually only tried to do the transaction this morning, before DH went to work. I mean, perhaps that is sufficient time to be 'taken' - but my bank transactions are 'older' and showing as 'pending'.  

Everyone - thanks so much for you help and support.  Fingers crossed we will get to some sort of conclusion in the next few days.  

Greying X