Can I Get My Money Back?

[mrs.chappie]

I made a purchase from a website that I now believe to be a bogus website.

The goods haven't arrived and I've sent several emails, over the last three months, asking them for the goods or for a refund. Initially they asked me to wait a few more days, then a few more days, and now they are not answering my emails.

I found some reviews (I know I should've checked before ordering) that indicate this company takes your money but doesn't deliver the goods.

I paid with a Visa Debit card and I am wondering if I might be refunded by Visa?

Also, is there anyone I can report the company to? They only give an email address, no telephone number or postal address. (Yes, I know I was stupid ... you live and learn).

Thanks for any replies, peeps. x

[wardlaw]

I fear you have lost your money. Hope it wasn't much.

[hc4361]

You should start a Visa Debit Card Chargeback ASAP - there is a time limit of 120 days.
More info here
http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/visa-mastercard-chargeback

Report to Trading Standards

[sandyRoe]

Does the company have the details of the debit card? If they're crooks what's to stop them taking anything in the account?

[hc4361]

And more info

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/problem/how-do-i-use-chargeback/

[mrs.chappie]

That's great, HC, thanks very much, I'll look into that.

Sandy, I don't know. I guess I can only keep checking my account and hope nothing disappears. :o(

[mrs.chappie]

Oops, sorry Wardlaw, didn't mean to ignore. It was £50. Not a massive amount but I am rather miffed that some robbing bu88ers would rip me off.

[hc4361]

Don't worry, Mrs C - highly unlikely. They certainly won't be able to access your bank account from the details you've given and it is highly unlikely they could use your card to buy goods etc.
If it were easy, we wouldn't be able to use our cards online or over the telephone.
Realistically there is more information on a cheque you send to buy goods through the post - even your signature. All your bank details are on a cheque.

[mrs.chappie]

Oh bu88er. I've just seen that it only covers purchases of over £100. :o(

[hc4361]

I would be miffed too. £50s add up very quickly and somebody could be making a tidy sum.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks for that, HC.

[hc4361]

LESS than £100, Mrs C.

The over £100 applies to goods bought with credit cards

[mrs.chappie]

Oh right, thanks HC, I'll take a closer look.

[sandyRoe]

That's reassuring, HC4361. In the past I never liked using a debit card because I thought a crook could clear the account. Not that there's much in it.
Sorry to hear Mrs C

[askyourgran]

I'm with sandy, I wouldn't give my debit card details online in case they took more. It's nice to know that.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks Sandy. To be honest I'm not struggling to lose the £50 and I accept that I was daft not to look further into a company that doesn't give an address, before ordering.

I just hate the idea of being ripped off.

[hc4361]

Bet you didn't think twice about handing a cheque over to the paperboy, milkman, or through the post to buy goods from companies you'd never heard of but had a big ad in the paper though.

[hc4361]

Go for the chargeback, Mrs C

Report to trading standards, put an alert on the Money Saving Expert's forum giving the name of the company - you may be one of many, google the company for info.

Name and shame them here, for goodness sake.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks very much for help, all.

I don't want to name the website on here because when you see it, it will become obvious how daft I've been, but I will certainly try to take it further.

Much appreciated, all. x

[mrs.chappie]

Just an update in case anyone's looking in...I emailed the company on Monday, giving them one last opportunity to get back to me, and telling them I intended to pursue a chargeback if they didn't reply by Tuesday.

Heard nothing so I rang HSBC bank who connected me to Visa. They gave me another name that the company operate under, and Googling that name brought up further complaints of non-arrival of goods.

Hopefully I might just make the deadline for a chargeback. Just waiting for the form to arrive.