Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 January 2013, 16:09:28

Title: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 January 2013, 16:09:28
A few months ago I ordered from Argos online, and whilst going through all the procedures I remember having to enter my details to obtain a £15 cash back, but ignoring the request to subscribe to a voucher company and not confirming my registration.  Thus my £15 cash back request was automatically cancelled.

Today I became aware of an amount of £10 that has, after checking with my Santander branch and Head Office, been extracted from my bank account for 4 months using my debit card details in the name of  shopperdisc.co.uk. without my authorization.

After speaking to Santander I am now aware that this company has caused "a serious" problem for a lot of the Bank's, and no doubt all banks in general, by "signing up" customers to their subscription scheme without the customer knowing about it until checking their bank statements.

I must for legal reasons make it clear that I have no proof of any wrong doing.  However, this company claimed on the phone I had filled in the form online when purchasing from Argos, and I had authorised my debit card to be used to automatically take £10 per month out of my account, which I did not.  During my telephone conversation with shopperdisc.co.uk, and my very clear anger over this matter, with possible police involvement as at no stage was this arrangement discussed or explained with me, I am to be refunded £30, with my card details with them cancelled.

Publically I will put this down to a "misunderstanding" and one of life's experiences.  But, be warned everyone, you may think you are being careful when ordering on line, but with, I have been told, many companies that you do business with on line, and there is talk of "cash back", you may suddenly incur charges for a service you have not agreed to.  Santander stated there was a very long list of companies this happens with for instance; Argos (as with me), Interflora, and Easyjet.  Repeat there are many more names on the list that Santander state has affected their customers in the way I was!

Be very careful!

 ;) 
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: STMO123 on 16 January 2013, 16:28:53
Good advice, Lizzie. I am very distrustful of anything that offers something for nothing (or appears to). Common sense should tell you that these companies have to make money to exist, and they are employing some very questionable sales tactics to get their hands on your dosh.
How many people would have thought 'It's only ten quid' and let it ride for fear of looking foolish. That is the very thing that they rely on.

While we are on the subject, never allow a company to set up a monly payment from your debit card rather than a direct debit. They are a bugger to cancel. If they want a regular payment, and you are agreeable, tell them to set up a direct debit, which you can easily cancel. If they ask for the 16 digit number from your debit card, tell them you would prefer not to.

Banks have been told that they must allow you to cancel these payments, but most will tell you to contact the company which is taking them. If this happens to you, tell your bank that they have to cancel it.........it's the law!
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: martin42 on 16 January 2013, 16:43:29
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Rods2 on 16 January 2013, 17:33:44
Argos is hardly the innocent party in this as they will be earning good commission.

So I would suggest a letter of complaint to them and how unclear the potential costs are and how you will be wary on using their website again. If you don't get a satisfactory answer, then I would contact trading standards. If they are unhappy, they will make them make changes.
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 January 2013, 17:35:43
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 January 2013, 17:36:47
Argos is hardly the innocent party in this as they will be earning good commission.

So I would suggest a letter of complaint to them and how unclear the potential costs are and how you will be wary on using their website again. If you don't get a satisfactory answer, then I would contact trading standards. If they are unhappy, they will make them make changes.

Indeed Rods2, I will be composing a very strong letter of complaint tomorrow to Argos! :y :y
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 January 2013, 17:41:53
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)


I don't have any big numbers on my bank statements. :-\
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 16 January 2013, 17:42:47
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)


I don't have any big numbers on my bank statements. :-\

Ah, that is sad you poor soul Opti! :'( :'( :'( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 January 2013, 17:50:16
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)


I don't have any big numbers on my bank statements. :-\

Ah, that is sad you poor soul Opti! :'( :'( :'( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)


Yes, Lizzie. I'm no more than a proletariat pauper, worn down by endless years of poverty and destitution. :-\ :-\

I'd hang myself but for the price of rope. :-\ :-\ :-* :-* :-* :-*
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: STMO123 on 16 January 2013, 18:05:27
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)


I don't have any big numbers on my bank statements. :-\

Ah, that is sad you poor soul Opti! :'( :'( :'( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)


Yes, Lizzie. I'm no more than a proletariat pauper, worn down by endless years of poverty and destitution. :-\ :-\

I'd hang myself but for the price of rope. :-\ :-\ :-* :-* :-* :-*

I could lend you a rope, Opti  :y
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Steve B on 16 January 2013, 18:07:13
wonder if/when argos are going to join hmv and blockbuster.  :-\
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: albitz on 16 January 2013, 18:12:19
Havent had any problems with the better known cashback sites such as quidco. ;)
Havent heard of this one before. :-\
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: TheBoy on 16 January 2013, 18:19:25
Havent had any problems with the better known cashback sites such as quidco. ;)
Havent heard of this one before. :-\
This is not quite the same as the likes of quidco and topcashback
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: albitz on 16 January 2013, 18:20:37
So it would seem. ;)
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Field Marshal Dr. Opti on 16 January 2013, 19:02:05
i did exactly the same aswell,that site should be removed from argos website,its a con,they took £10 out of my account but after i gave then a few verbals and threaten police action they refunded it for me,just another con  >:( >:(

That is SNAP then!! :o :o :o

Well Santander did state to me this was a "major problem", how many of us are there? :P :P :P :y :y

As Steve correctly says some would not bother about £10's, and I must admit I concentrate on checking bigger numbers on my bank statements.  That tip about debit cards is a very good one Steve.  That is how they obtained payments from me!!  With Santander involved, and threats of police action from me, they soon rectified the problem! ::) ::) ::) ;)


I don't have any big numbers on my bank statements. :-\

Ah, that is sad you poor soul Opti! :'( :'( :'( ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;)


Yes, Lizzie. I'm no more than a proletariat pauper, worn down by endless years of poverty and destitution. :-\ :-\

I'd hang myself but for the price of rope. :-\ :-\ :-* :-* :-* :-*

I could lend you a rope, Opti :y


Thanks,  Steve. It will be nice to have company when "I take the drop" :y
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Lizzie_Zoom on 18 January 2013, 11:42:56
UPDATE:  I spoke to shopperdisc.co.uk and after a heated exchange of words I have secured a £30 refund and my so called registration with their company cancelled.

Wrote to Argos with a strongly worded letter spelling out what transpired, what Santander have discovered about this companies transactions, and how Argos is at fault with their online transaction leading on to a third party without it being made clear.  They have now promised to review their procedures and investigate further into shopperdisc actions.

I aim to obtain further compensation from shopperdisc, as recommended by Argos, which I will do once the £30 is safely in my account.

Trading Standards are my next port of call.

So, again please learn from my experience, and others mentioned in this thread. ;)

Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: martin42 on 18 January 2013, 16:57:10
nice result,refund should be in bank with a few days  :y
Title: Re: Cash Back Dangers
Post by: Andy B on 18 January 2013, 17:34:25
UPDATE:  I spoke to shopperdisc.co.uk and after a heated exchange of words I have secured a £30 refund and my so called registration with their company cancelled.

 ....

Well done.  :y