I have replied AGAIN to Zipcar and have also received a letter from Santander to say they have refunded the money but if the investigation is unsuccessful then they will take it back.

Every time I say that they (and the chargeback team at Santander) just revert to "Yeah, but it looks like a fine. It says violation on it so it's that type of charge so that's our protocol - to pay it". That's why they then put it through to the fraud team. Should I inform Zipcar that my bank has refunded the money and the fraud team is looking into it now? And reinforce the whole private company/invoice argument again?

So it looks like the bank has refunded me the £60 + £15 that Zipcar had taken. I have received the following email from Zipcar, so they still believe they are in the right. Should I reply to them or should I just hope that the bank agrees with me and won't change their mind (as I believe the investigation is still ongoing and if they decide I am in the wrong then the bank themselves will take the money back - again)?

I'll let you know what comes back

Santander. I'm on the phone now and they've put it through to the fraud department.

The bank told me that they can't deal with invoices or fines. They say I need to speak with the company (Zipcar) and if I'm not happy with the outcome then I should take it to Citizens Advice. I am not surprised.

Thanks for all the replies, much appreciated. 1. I've attached the 'violation notice' that Zipcar sent back to me with this email: Hi Thomas, Thanks for contacting us. Please see attached a copy of the violation notice which has been attributed to your account. Kind Regards, Zipcar 2. I've attached the reply from MET too. Thanks Dave, I think this might be the only solution, although I'm not overly confident the bank will agree or help out here. It seems like everyone just turns a blind eye to these companies as if they're just and correct . How the hell do they get away with it? Zipcar Violation Notifice.pdf MET Appeal Reply.pdf

Hello guys, Long story short I was using a Zipcar (hire car) to go and pick my partner up from the airport. I was early so I stopped for a coffee. I parked in what they consider the Starbucks bit but Starbucks was closed, so I did the classic thing and walked across to McDonald's. I was there for 40 odd minutes then I left. A week or so later I got charged about £75 on my Zipcar account because they automatically paid the PCN issued by MET parking. After reading a few threads here I've contacted the CEO of Starbucks and the support team has suggested I contact Euro Garages as it's their land etc. I've also written to MET parking to complain. Question 1: As Zipcar automatically paid the charge on my behalf is it hopeless for me to try and get the money back? Question 2: If not then which is the best route to take? This has become more of a principle thing now than anything else because I know so many people who have been caught by this trap. Thanks in advance