Direct Debit

[bricro]

I am finding it difficult to get through to the right department of BT in order to stop a Direct Debit for monthly Broadband services. I have asked my bank to stop payment...is that sufficient?. BT ceased to be my Broadband provider Nov 4th 2010 but are still raising Direct Debits. Any suggestions please?

[JoolsTwo]

I would of thought so - we usually do it online via the bank and it seems to work.

[chelle7272]

A request to my bank has always been enough to cancel a direct debit. Under the direct debit guarantee I believe the bank have to compensate you if they continue to pay once you have cancelled, until any dispute is sorted out.

[R1Geezer]

yes it is enough and also when they next try it will bounce and they'll write to you, you then will have someone to reply to and it should hopefully get sorted.

[gingejbee]

Yes, this is sufficient, but sometimes you have to confirm in writing. Also a good idea to tell BT (in writing) that you've done it.

[bricro]

Thank you all,most helpful

[boxtops]

Now we bank on-line it's just a case of cancelling it, but previously I would write the bank a letter and ask them to confirm in writing that they have done so.

[craft1948]

I used to do DD for BT and lost track of the number of people who never asked us to cancel direct debits, but just stopped them at the bank. This used to really p!ss me off as a) it made more work for me and b) the banks charged BT £30 for every bounced request.

[Buenchico]

If it's a 'proper' direct debit then you're protected by the Direct Debit Guarantee, which means that you can stop it at any time (by simply notifying your bank) and your bank must refund any payments taken from your account without your authorisation.

However many people provide ISPs (and others) with their debit card details and refer to that as a 'direct debit', but it's not. It's a 'continuing authority' which you CAN'T cancel. Only the recipient can cancel the arrangement. If the recipient takes more than they're entitled to, it's entirely a matter between the account holder and the recipient. The bank can't intervene.

Chris

[bricro]

Thank you Craft 98
We telephoned the number on the letter advising when Broadband would cease. We got passed from pillar to post and then after a considerable time we were told to telephone the number we first did!!.

[bricro]

Sorry Craft 1948. not 98.