Re "I've Done a stupid thing" thread.

[tiggerblue10]

Having spoken to Trading Standards this morning they advised me to write the Paparazzi Studios a letter asking for the refund. T^his is it:

//I was called by one of your representatives, xxxxxxxxxxxx, on 26th January 2010 and told that I had won a competition for a day at your studios in London. I said to the rep that I do not remember entering such a competition but he insisted that I had done. He told me that I could attend the studio with 2 guests and that I had to book there and then. I asked him if I could call back once I had found 2 guest to go but he said that I had to book it with him there and then. After about 10 minutes on the phone I agreed and gave him my credit card details which he put through and £30 was taken as a deposit. He said it would normally cost a lot more but as I had won the competition he could get it down to £30.

Having spoken to various people about this I have been advised that this is a hard sell tactic and that having not remembered entering a competition, I didn’t in fact do so which is a misrepresentation of the contract. Otherwise known as enticement.

Under the Legislation of Consumer Protection and Distance Selling Regulation of 2000 I would like you to refund the £30 you have taken from my credit card immediately before I consider legal action against you and take up the matter with Trading Standards. I am not interested in your policy of non-refundable cancellations as you have broken the law.

I would also like to ask you never to contact me again after the refund and not to pass my number onto any other company.//

What do you think?

[squarebear]

I think whoever gives their credit card details to a competition that they haven't entered is a fool and deserves to have a £30 punishment. Sorry.

[redcrx]

i think the letter is fine, but wish you luck.

I know plenty of mums who were scammed in similar ways by a child modelling agency and do know that there were refunds given to some who complained so you should at least try.

[tiggerblue10]

It was a hard sell tactic and I fell for it. It happens to loads of people SB but I think the punishment bit is a bit harsh.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Red :o)

[squarebear]

Once bitten, twice shy.

If it was a bit more tricky to get your money back, people would take a bit more common sense. You realise this con outfit now has your credit card details? Keep an eye on your statements.

[boxtops]

I'd give it a go, tigs, send it Recorded Delivery. Watch your credit card like a hawk though, have you cancelled it yet?

[tiggerblue10]

I'm going to cancel my card.

[tiggerblue10]

I'm going to pop to the Post Office later and send it RD Box.

[yogasun]

Oh dear. Do hope you have some joy with this. Keep us posted.
I get calls saying I've won a competition, draw, etc. and I always say...'Really, what and when was that'? So far I have never been asked to part with any money. It's usually time share or something. You might contact your local paper to tell people to be on their guard.
It's a lesson learned. Good luck.

[tiggerblue10]

Thanks Yoga x

[squarebear]

Sorry if I sounded harsh. I do hope you get your money back but it's really important to use some common sense with these things. If something is too good to be true, it's usually a con.

[boxtops]

tigs, don't hang about, cancel the card now. I know to my cost that a thief with a card can wreak all sort of damage. Did they ask you for the numbers from the back, too...?

[tiggerblue10]

I know SB, my common sense was obviously somewhere else when I got the call. You can't see me but I'm kicking myself right now and my printer which is playing up!!! Arrgghh

[tiggerblue10]

If I cancel my card Box how will they refund me? Should I ask for a cheque?

[milly143]

It will be returned to the account, it doesn't matter if the card is cancelled. Even if it's a credit card.

[tiggerblue10]

Ah Ok Milly, I didn't realise that.

[lankeela]

They can only refund to the card it was paid out of. If anyone offers to send a refund by cheque or pay cash it is illegal. We have this problem with a trader who has a stall at dog shows putting through extra payments and then if people notice offering to pay them back. He must have scammed thousands over the past three years but all those scammed think it is a genuine error and haven't reported it. Till now!

[tiggerblue10]

Not good Lankeela!

[society]

For your sake I hope by the time you've read my post your credit card has been cancelled. Don't delay....