It was not until my 85 year old dad starting having problems with requesting home Insurance quotes from the likes of Tesco and others did I become aware of the sneeky little tactics employed by the sneeky little people involved in the murky world of Direct Debit.
He asked for quotes and got DDs set up.
In fact, quotes and 'thank you for taking up' letters were sent out on the same day.
They then refused refunds so did his bank.
He spoke with me and I did some research.
DDs are run by banks for banks and their customers.
It allows them to stick their greasy pinkies into your account anytime for any amount
- as long as they tell you
[read your mail, you might miss it]
however,
you get a 'guarantee' in small print.
It's a good guarantee
[any dispute and your bank MUST GIVE AN IMMEDIATE AND FULL REFUND.
They then fight it out with the company who wants your hard earned cash]
.but, not many know it and that includes the cashiers at the banks or BS
- so, you end up arguing with one and all.
However, if you get past the cashiers, the bosses know and you get your refund.
This is how they set up dad's DDs.
Companies share information among themselves,
it wasn't difficult to get his bank details etc.
So, being old, they thought
- they'd have him over.
So, they set up DDs, hoping he'd neither notice or complain.
Now,
it's my contention that they breached the first princilpe of the Data Protection Act. [DPA]
For as dad had not authorised the DD,
for them to use his 'personal details'
i.e bank details, was 'unlawful.'
I've just posted the letters to those involved setting out my concerns and requesting,
under my rights from the DPA,
to send me all personal information held by them,
including recorded phone calls.
For you need to be aware,
that to start up a DD,
they DON'T need a signature;
authorisations can be given to them verbally.