Small problem but need help

[hammerman]

I went to a local bookshop on 29th Feb (called Sussex Stationers) and bought books to the value of �30 by debit card.
Last week, i went to pay for some shopping by debit card and they declined the card saying there wasn't enough money in the account.

Checked at the bank and it seems that the bookshop have taken the transaction FIVE times causing me to go overdrawn.

I've asked at the bookshop and they said there was a computer error and i should get my money back in the next week or two....there was nothing the shop could do about it.

I've rang their head office and they've said the same.

I've now found out that a few other people have had the same from the same branch....some people bought stuff in mid Feb and still haven't been reimbursed.

Is there anything i can do about this....they have a lot of my money and i need to get food and petrol before payday on thursday.

What would happen if i walked in and "borrowed" 5 of their books for a few weeks ?

Any suggestions would be most helpful.

[gelda]

I would get in touch with Trading Standards or the Citizens Advice they would probably give you some advice. OR let me know where you live and I'll send you some money to tide you over till pay day!

[Annlinda]

Have you spoken to your bank? They may be able to help

[hammerman]

Thanks guys.

Gelda....you're most kind especially as you don't know me from Adam !!!.....borrowed a tenner off one of the kids which will see us through till thursday.

I'm off to the bookshop again today to get some answers.

[Theland1]

Surely it is theft? A criminal offence? Couldn't the police go to the shop and demand your money back .... or else?

[bigmamma]

That's most unsatisfactory hammerman , and what a state is left you in you poor thing. I see no reason why , if they know it's gone through 5 times , that it can't be back in your account as soon as !
A few years ago , a car clinic took a card payment of �600 but I found it had taken � 1,200 . On returning to them they refunded before an hour was up .

[hammerman]

They're saying that it's noting to do with the shop....it's the "card company" who've taken the money.

However, that's really not my problem...my "contract" was with the bookshop, not the card co.

Off down there in a mo to have a shout at them

[innocenti]

This happend to my husband but with Wilkinsons! They took out a �50 debit transaction 5 times! It was a computer glitch and happend to most people who banked with Natwest and used their cards that weekend.

The money was back in our accout 3 days later.

If I was you I would kick up a BIG stink with the bank and the bookstore.

[gina32]

and make sure that when you do get it back that any overdrafts or charges are paid for by the bank

[Mamjet]

If you walked in and took 5 of their books you'd be charged with theft. Try it and see.

[hammerman]

Well....the managing director phoned me up today after i'd been down and had a rant at them and they agreed to give me the outstanding amount in cash.

Zoooomed down to the bookshop and got my money.

Thanks to every one.