Help Needed! Loanspotter Broker Fee - struggling to get a refund!

[Conniff]

I don't think I would put a lot of faith in that address either. One it is a long way from Manchester where the man lives and works and two they have offices rented by the month, just the sort of development that would house a mail forwarding service.

[rockyrover]

UPDATE

 

I have just telephoned the disputes team at Lloyds TSB again. Thankfully after a little persistence (asking to speak to an supervisor to make a complaint) I have managed to get a dispute raised and a "chargeback" on this payment. The bank advised me that the full £54.96 should be in my account within 24 hours. So hopefully this should be the end of Loanspotter for me .

 

My advice to anyone else having the same problems is to be persistent with your bank as it seems that Loanspotter are doing their very best not to refund!

 

I will of course update if i hear anything back from them.

[Conniff]

Well done.

 

Now get a letter into your branch that issued the card saying 'no more payments to be made to this company'.

[Thomasb]

Great News! Just lets hope you never come across these bandits again.

[rockyrover]

So I received a refund through my bank (shows on bank statement as a dispute).

 

Today I have received a text message from Loanspotter saying "your bank has been in touch about a payment dispute. Please call us on 0844 3091971 to resolve this matter and STOP further action". No sooner had this text message come through the phone was ringing for my husband and it was "LS". Funny how you can't get hold of them and you get a refund through bank and they get in touch.

 

Not really sure what I need to do now? I know I have told my bank that no payments are to go to Loanspotter again but should I cancel my card (say it is lost) just to be on the safe side? The bank obviously did warn us that if Loanspotter provide proof they *may* process the payment. I have a couple of questions regarding this:-

 

1) Yes my husband did provide card details but was told that funds would be taken AFTER loan funds were deposited. What will the bank do? Say that he willfully gave details so tough luck and reverse the payment?

2) The "loan" application was in my husbands name but gave my card details. Will this fact help us or hinder us (it is a joint account)?

 

Just want to be prepared in case the bank comes back to me for every eventuality.

 

Thanks, Lucy

[Thomasb]

Hi, I would report the card as lost. They will either try and take the money again or take it under one of there other names which starts the full problem again.

[Tawnyowl]

Grrrr-

This firm really winds people up i am sure.

Quote.

 

1) Yes my husband did provide card details but was told that funds would be taken AFTER loan funds were deposited. What will the bank do?

 

My first thoughts.And i am rather angry.And may be not acting rationally.

Ring them or Twitter them your bank that is.

Explain how you feel and your worries.

Try to speak to a supervisor.

Even tell them many are watching the moves they make.In dealing with this dodgy outfit.

See what they say again.

Tell the bank you are thinking of leaving them if they can not reassure you.

 

As for loanspotter tell them many are watching now every move they make.

Do not give in.

We will find a way through this.

If you do ring loanspotter tell them to come in here and talk to us.

See how long it takes to answer the phone.

Many would not ring them i know.But it may help others.In the future.

Can you tell them you are taping the call.

If you can do.Try to get names.

I want to hear their reaction.

My first thoughts as i have just said.

Touch this ladies account and you will regret it.

A matter of principal now.As you said.

The rest of my thoughts for now are censored.

Edited August 29, 2013 by tawnyowl

[rockyrover]

Right....

 

I have spoken to my Lloyds TSB and the disputes team advised me to cancel my card as it is the only way to ensure that no further payments come out from this or any other company that they may have passed our details to. The reason I called Lloyds was I have had a very interesting / worrying email from Loanspotter:-

 

From: [email protected]

Subject: Disputed Payment

 

Dear Customer

 

We have received notification from our processing bank that you have raised a query regarding payment of your membership service.

 

Please find attached a full information pack which requires your immediate attention

 

Regards,

 

Customer Service

 

This is the attachment:-

 

Loan Spotter

Fort Dunlop

Fort Parkway

Birmingham

B24 5FE

 

Date: August 29, 2013

 

URGENT: ACTION PENDING

 

Dear xxx

 

We have received notification from our processing bank that you have raised a query regarding the fee YOU paid to Loan Spotter of £54.96.

 

Attached in this pack is the full application details you provided when you made this application. We also hold on file a full record of all communications made to you by email, post and a recording of all inbound and outbound calls.

 

WE WILL BE HAPPY TO REFUND YOU THE FEE. To process your refund without delay we require you to complete the attached form and return to us as soon as possible.

 

If you choose to ignore this letter we will have to provide our processing bank and your bank with evidence to support our claim which clearly shows that the transaction was authorized by you.

 

We hope to receive the attached form back from you so we can arrange the refund for your immediately. Should you have any questions relating to this please contact us on: 0844 704 5998.

 

Your Sincerely, Samantha Evans Customer Services Director

 

The attachment asks me to complete the following details:-

 

Bank Name

Bank Address

Account Number

Sort Code

 

It also asks for employer & income details and the only details they have on my husband is address, phone number, email & the fact that we are private tenants.

 

I am FUMING that since 30 July we have contacted them and they only get in touch when I manage to get a refund through the bank. This just proves what kind of outfit they are!!!!!!

[silverfox1961]

Well, they have again shot themselves in the foot.

 

We also hold on file a full record of all communications made to you by email, post and a recording of all inbound and outbound calls.

 

IF that is true then they should be able to listen to the call and find the lie told. You could ask them for a copy of the call and the files which they may offer freely or send a SAR (£10) which they then have to comply with.

 

If they send nothing or not everything, you then have the option to complain again and go to the Information Commissioner

[rockyrover]

Well, they have again shot themselves in the foot.

 

 

 

IF that is true then they should be able to listen to the call and find the lie told. You could ask them for a copy of the call and the files which they may offer freely or send a SAR (£10) which they then have to comply with.

 

If they send nothing or not everything, you then have the option to complain again and go to the Information Commissioner

 

You read my mind! This is what I thought, if they keep details of everything then they will not only have the original phone call BUT they will also have all the calls asking for refund, the letters and numerous emails. I think I will email them now and ask them for this!

[Tawnyowl]

Hi rockrover.

Did you send them a email asking for the calls,files etc.

I bet those do not come back so fast.

Just wondering who you complain to about these companies if you feel you have been wronged.

It it the company first.

Then if they do not reply within 8 weeks the F.O.S.Or the O.F.T

Similar to Payday Loans.

It is clear people are getting ripped off now.

Maybe complaints should now be made by many.

Going back years if needed.

A slight story here.See the kind of thing i am getting at.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-south-east-wales-17621999

 

And here.

http://www.freshstartltd.co.uk/debt-help-blog/oft-crackdown-on-loan-brokers-upfront-fees/

 

We could be talking about 500,000 people using brokers.

Of which 250,000 have possibly had bad experiences.And perhaps should complain.

These are rough guides,it could be more.Or less of course.

Just trying to find out

We can only find out perhaps by stories like this one coming on the forums.

And guess how many maybe just give in.

Due to the firms taking so long.It could be a quiet part of their policy.

Hoping people do not ask for the refunds.

The figures should be checked on somehow.These companies need investigating.

A forensic look at their accounts.

Edited August 30, 2013 by tawnyowl

[rockyrover]

Hi rockrover.

Did you send them a email asking for the calls,files etc.

I bet those do not come back so fast.

 

Hi Tawny Owl....yes I have emailed them (no response baring an automated one as yet).

 

Since my last post on here the email that I posted on here was sent to me by post and I have received 2 text messages. Will update if I hear anymore.

 

Hi JulieCurrie

 

It may help if you posted your own thread giving some detail and you could get personalised advice. Whatever you do though don't give up!!!!

[renegadeimp]

I have spoken to my Lloyds TSB and the disputes team advised me to cancel my card as it is the only way to ensure that no further payments come out from this or any other company that they may have passed our details to.

 

Lloyds lying yet again

[rockyrover]

Lloyds lying yet again

 

Not surprised! Ah well got my new card now so just keeping my fingers crossed that they don't side with Loanspotter and reverse the refund!

[manontheweb]

There are lots and lots of 'brokers' who will try to get you a payday loan, which you could easily do yourself just by using Google, and they then charge you up to £69.99 just for the trouble. It really is a waste of money!

You MUST read T&C's on websites BEFORE you give your credit card details and check that they are not charging an upfront fee. A lot of the brokers have websites which make it look like they are the company who will lend you the money, when actually they are just selling this good-for-nothing "service"

 

I really feel sorry for you losing your money and hope you get it back

[rockyrover]

There are lots and lots of 'brokers' who will try to get you a payday loan, which you could easily do yourself just by using Google, and they then charge you up to £69.99 just for the trouble. It really is a waste of money!

You MUST read T&C's on websites BEFORE you give your credit card details and check that they are not charging an upfront fee. A lot of the brokers have websites which make it look like they are the company who will lend you the money, when actually they are just selling this good-for-nothing "service"

 

I really feel sorry for you losing your money and hope you get it back

 

Hi Manontheweb

 

I'm well aware of the brokers and the pointless service that they provide. This was a company that actually called my husband and did state that there was a fee but that the fee was taken once you had received the loan funds. Hindsight is a wonderful thing.

 

I haven't heard anything from Loanspotter for about a week now........

[manontheweb]

That makes them even worse then!

[dx100uk]

We have been telling people to put a letter into their bank instructing them not to make any payments under any circumstances to these companie

http://whatconsumer.co.uk/visa-debit-chargeback/- it works!

 

banks MUST follow written intructions from their customers !

This fsa [now the FCA] 11:24 31/05/2013 guide has now been updated:

 

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pubs/consumer_...ghts_guide.pdf

 

Here's the text:

 

Cancelling a regular

card payment:

 

When you give your credit or debit card details to a company and authorise them to take regular payments from your account,

such as for a gym membership or magazine subscription,

it is known as a ‘recurring transaction’ or ‘continuous payment authority’.

These are often confused with direct debits, but do not offer the same guarantee if the amount or date of the payment changes.

In most cases, regular payments can be cancelled by telling the company taking the payments.

.

However,

you have the right to cancel them directly with your bank or card issuer by telling it that you have stopped permission for the payments.

Your bank or card issuer must then stop them – it has no right to insist that you agree this first with the company taking the payments.

Be aware, though, that you will still be responsible for paying any money that you owe.

.

see: http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?336569-How-to-remove-a-lender-s-continuous-payment-authority(2-Viewing)-nbsp

.

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/pages/consumerinformation/product_news/banking/know_your_rights/solving/index.shtml

and

Attach the following to your claim and in the interim period write to your bank and attach the following (Keep a copy)

Regulation 55 of The Payment Services Regulations 2009:

55.—(1) A payment transaction is to be regarded as having been authorised by the payer for the purposes of this Part only if the payer has given its consent to—

(a)the execution of the payment transaction; or .

(b)the execution of a series of payment transactions of which that payment transaction forms part. .

(2) Such consent—

(a)may be given before or, if agreed between the payer and its payment service provider, after the execution of the payment transaction; and .

(b)must be given in the form, and in accordance with the procedure, agreed between the payer and its payment service provider. .

(3) The payer may withdraw its consent to a payment transaction at any time before the point at which the payment order can no longer be revoked under regulation 67.

(4) Subject to regulation 67(3) to (5), the payer may withdraw its consent to the execution of a series of payment transactions at any time with the effect that any future payment transactions are not regarded as authorised for the purposes of this Part.

This means that you can simply ask your bank to refuse the payments, it is also good practice to let the lender know too.

So, if you would like your creditor to stop trying to take a payment all you need to do, in theory, is to inform them that you remove their authority. It's probably better to do this in writing and via recorded delivery - if possible.

You can learn more about your rights via the following fsa guide :

Ending recurring payments from credit cards

57 Recurring payments, is the term used to describe transactions for which a client has granted written permission for her/his credit or debit card to be debited for recurring goods or services, for example, club membership subscriptions, insurance cover or payday loansicon. The card may be debited annually, monthly or at other regular intervals.

.

58 In most cases, recurring payments can be cancelled by telling the trader taking the payments. However, a client has the right to withdraw consent by simply telling whoever issued the card (the bank, building society or credit card company) that s/he does not want a payment to be made. S/he can tell the card issuer by phone, email or letter.

.

59 The card issuer has no right to insist that the client ask the trader to stop taking the payment first. The card issuer has to stop the payments if the client has asked them to. The client could point out to the card issuer that they should follow the FSA guidance available in the FSA know your rightsicon booklet which is available on the FSA website at www.fsa.gov.uk.

.

59a If money is still taken from the client's account, it will be deemed to be an unauthorised transaction, and the card issuer must give her/him an immediate refund. The card issuer will have to cancel any interest and charges added to the her/his account because the payment was taken. It is not up to the client to prove that s/he told the card issuer to stop taking payments. Instead, the card issuer would have to prove that s/he did not tell them to stop making payments.

.

60 The client should make a complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service when all the internal complaints systems within the company issuing the card have been exhausted.

I hope this information is of assistance

 

New june 2013

 

Regulator orders Banks and mutuals to review complaints about not cancelling recurring payments from November 2009.

Consumers who have set up a regular payment from their account will now be able to successfully cancel that arrangement by contacting their card provider, the Financial Conduct Authority said.

The FCA has been examining how easy it is for customers to cancel Continuous Payment Authorities (CPAs) due either to payday lendersicon or for other regular payments such as subscriptions or gymicon memberships.

CPAs, which are also commonly called recurring transactions or recurring payments, are relatively easy to set up but can be hard to cancel, causing problems for consumers trying to manage their finances,the FCA said.

 

Now, following the FCA review of how the largest high street banks and mutuals process requests to cancel CPAs, they have agreed that they will ensure that when a customer asks for a recurring payment to end, that will be sufficient to cancel the arrangement. They have also confirmed that should a payment go through by mistake following cancellation by a customer the customer will be refunded immediately.

 

In addition to securing this commitment, the largest banks and mutuals have agreed to review every individual complaint they have received about the non-cancellation of a CPA and to pay redress where payments have continued to be made despite the customer cancelling the arrangement. This applies to all complaints since November 2009 when the Financial Services Authority, the FCA’s predecessor, began regulating banking conduct.

 

Clive Adamson, the FCA’s director of supervision, said: “It’s important that consumers are confident that banks are meeting their everyday banking needs. Today customers can be confident that when they ask for a Continuous Payment Authority to be cancelled – it will be cancelled - and that it can be done easily.

 

“We recognise that historically this is an area where some customers have struggled but the banks and mutuals have responded positively to our work on this issue. From now on we expect them to be getting this right. In addition, they have committed to review past complaints.”

 

http://www.ftadviser.com/2013/06/28/...J/article.html

[rockyrover]

Just to keep everyone on the thread updated I haven't had any emails or letters from Loanspotter. They could still be texting me but I have changed my phone number so I don't know.

[rockyrover]

Spoke too soon!

 

Had a letter from Lloyds TSB basically advising me that they have sided with Loanspotter and that they will be redebiting my account on 23/09/13. I called Lloyds and as usual they were very unhelpful telling me that I cannot make an appeal over the phone that i need to negotiate with Loanspotter to get a refund. What am I meant to do not? This will leave me absolutely snookered

[tezza1234]

I take it you never sent a SAR to Loanspotter

[rockyrover]

I take it you never sent a SAR to Loanspotter

 

I emailed them asking for copies of the call recordings that they claim to have. I didn't send £10 to request anything from them.

[Tawnyowl]

Hi rockyrover

 

Quote-rockrover

Spoke too soon!

 

Had a letter from Lloyds TSB basically advising me that they have sided with Loanspotter and that they will be redebiting my account on 23/09/13. I called Lloyds and as usual they were very unhelpful telling me that I cannot make an appeal over the phone that i need to negotiate with Loanspotter to get a refund. What am I meant to do not? This will leave me absolutely snookered

 

To me,my thoughts are,goodbye Lloyds-finish with them now and go elsewhere

Open a account somewhere today and say goodbye.

Within the next few days.Ombudsman can wait,i feel,no time.

 

Let me check what Lloyds said to you,and check if there is anything we can do before moving bank or to the ombudsman.

Check the chargeback appeals procedure again.And other things.

 

 

During the ppi fiasco-the banks made decisions.

People then thought sod that this is the wrong decision.

I will go to the F.OS.

With some banks 90% of those decisions were reversed.In the customers favour.

 

Rockrover,as you did not get a loan,how much is the bank redebiting,is it a fiver.

 

Why was that Manchester letter refused.Are they still trading from there.

 

Quote-rockyrover-

 

I am really, really annoyed. Husband has actually just walked in from work and rang them (again) and they said that it was processed on 19th (this Monday)!!!!!!!!! God I am fuming.

 

This is what the Fort Dunlop lot said to you in Birmingham.

How has it got to this.I feel the Bank has made the wrong decision.

 

Fuming,not the only one.We will get to the bottom of things.

I am going to watch and write take photos at the conference later this month.The demos,protests etc.

I may pop round there.If it pretty near.Take a photo,even if it just a box.

 

Back soon,just checking something.Tried to post twice my connection went,3rd time lucky 5 mins

Turning into a drama-a series

Tea break not finished yet-anyone out there,put the kettle on you have time.

Back at 10-35-time now 10-20:lol:

 

 

This is where our adversary is supposed to be,Are they there.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=53+fountain+street+manchester&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&gws_rd=cr&ei=iSA4UtT6LJCJhQe_nYAg

 

When you see the letter A press it.Close in.For many this is the closest you will get to them.

Just about to go through the doors.No,it will not let me,never mind.

Loanspotter where are you.

 

Why was the registered letter refused.What if you had just sent a letter.Would you know this.

When you read the reviews,you would think it was some kind of shop.

Many of the reviews in my mind are false ones.

 

Some of you brokers make me feel sick.

I have much more to show,but for now will leave it there.

 

Feel free rockyrover to throw a egg at the screen,yours not mine.

I have lost to many TVs and articles through the window lately.Release the anger.

 

Just for anyone else,this Chargeback Letter could help you.

http://www.which.co.uk/consumer-rights/action/letter-to-make-a-chargeback-claim-/

 

Have to go out for a hour or two now.

I will be back later.

Anyone else who can advise please do.

Edited September 17, 2013 by tawnyowl

[Tawnyowl]

I am all for free speech-BUT.

The Brokers are just ripping people off.

They perhaps charge you 60-70 pound pass you around to perhaps lenders. -and as you have just said perhaps by some miracle-get you some loan.

Say you wanted a £$1000 loan may get you 200-you pay 70 for that..

Why would the broker not bend over backwards for such a thing.Just pass you round and round.

 

 

Maybe to a payday loans company they own,even,still looking into that kind of thing.People may get identity fraud issues-some of them even steal brokers addresses etc Better put a link on to explain.

 

Let us not forget what some unscrupulous lenders have been up to.

http://news.sky.com/story/1043410/pa...-boost-traffic

 

Just saying to people be careful

 

http://www.westminster.gov.uk/servic...andards/loans/

 

 

What is also concerning is that customers often report that they are bombarded with a wealth of other ‘credit providers’ contacting them, and where they have provided all their personal details in the application they are often found to be victims of identity fraud too

How can you protect yourself?

 

The best advice is to be on your guard and be suspicious if they offer quick and easy cash regardless of credit history. Avoid loan companies who cold call you and do some homework on the Company before agreeing to anything; unfortunately credit fraudsters are becoming more sophisticated and quote other lenders real Consumer Credit Licence numbers and Company Registration numbers, and genuine addresses and contact details. These are all aimed at giving false assurances to you so make sure you do your homework and if the details don’t add up don’t provide them your banks details or pay any money upfront.

To report a loan fraud contact Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or visit their website here.

If you require advice contact Trading Standards.

 

I am not worried about your post.Just take the PHONE NUMBER OFF.

If this is the mentality of payday loans Brokers and their supporters you have made my day.

 

IRFRANK0706,welcome to the CAG,i hope you do not use brokers again.

If you are a spammer-proves our message is getting through.

Join your Local Credit union

http://www.findyourcreditunion.co.uk/home

Once bitten, never again.

 

Just seen on another forum.Just saying what is there.Same link as manontheweb put on.

Someone have a look round-i have just been looking-can you find the place.My soles on my shoes are getting hot.

Backwards and forwards,i am going dizzy with it all.

 

QuoteFor all those trying to contact LoanSpotter, the address you have is totally incorrect, it seems they are blagging you, as the company operates out of:

3rd Floor, Seymour Grove, Stretford, Manchester, Greater Manchester, M16 0LN.

End quote

 

Can someone have a look round i am going dizzy running up and down the street.My soles on my shoes are melting.

If you find the place-tell me.I will look again soon.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?client=firefox-a&nfpr=1&q=M16+OLN+SEYMOUR+GROVE+MANCHESTER&ie=UTF-8&hq=&hnear=0x487bae07e566906d:0xa89780317c501a29,Seymour+Grove,+Manchester+M16&gl=uk&ei=MjE7UvWiBcvY7AaAqIGwDA&ved=0CC0Q8gEwAA

 

Keep going North there seems to be offices at the top of the grove.Satellite view is ok.Close in.Now do not get tempted to look at your own houses.Oh go on then.But maybe slightly out of date.Is that your pigeon loft i see.YUM YUM-I will fly in tonight-Tawnyowl-i am peckish.

 

Quote

Used to work there until I found out what it was they were doing, this is where the calls are made, customer services is located and where the Managing Director Syed is located everyday. So start filing those refunds guys.

They literally force staff to make the sales, they tell you to "Just keep talking, dont let them make objections, and if they do, lie so you get the sale." They then record the calls and criticise you if you didnt force the sale.

They will also charge you if you ask them not to after handing over details, which they ALWAYS take before telling you there is a fee. You are openly told to say "At this point there is no fee until you DEFINITELY have a loan secured." So yeah, I got out of there quick, not the kinda guy to be robbing people. =D

End quote.

 

Everything will become clear.We know about the Birmingham office,mail forwarding whatever,and many other things.

Just takes time.To work it out.

Info is coming,but one thing is for sure, there is something about the night with these brokers.

You have asked for copies of emails,and phone conversations,that they said they have,and will use against you.

Which you have not received yet

 

 

Quote manontheweb

Funny that you have just posted in the moneysavingexpert website as well?

 

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/...php?p=63194745 End Quote.

 

Well,well,well-perhaps the message is getting through,nice find. manontheweb

Well 20 minutes have passed the phone number has not been removed-why have you not removed-it is easy to do.

More in a mo-putting on now in case i lose this

 

Oh-you have gone back to the depths whence you came.

To be forgotten about in the mists of time.

Just as i was warming up.Never mind.

Back to the writing,when i have calmed down a touch-only joking-everything is cool.

irfank0706 if you are genuine,forget the brokers,heed advice,do not use them again.I see you are still around.so take note.

17-43pm Thursday 19/9/2013

Next.

Edited September 19, 2013 by tawnyowl

[manontheweb]

I think these payday loan "broker" sites need to be shut down or made to make themselves a lot clearer that they are a broker and that they will charge you up to £69.99. Its usually very hard to tell unless you read all the small print at the bottom of the page before you sign up.

 

All they are is very good at is designing websites and using really good SEO techinques so that when you type in "payday loan" or "£300 loan" their page comes to the top of the list, usually above the actual payday lenders 'genuine' sites. From then on, a lot of people are caught in the trap.

 

Its a real disgrace in my opinion.