I made a free bid online for Ziinga 100 bids bon (this can't even be used) and was supposedly charged only £1, however I did not realize at the time that there would be a membership fee of £58.99 and additional bids of 1 and 2.98 were made in my name. When I saw this, I called up Ziinga.com for which I spoke to several people as they refused to refund the money as it's in their terms and condition. It states that we have 7 days from the moment we purchase an item to cancel or they will charge the membership fee of an amount that is not even mention because there are several memberships. This was not mentioned on the pay list and when I pointed this out, they refused to help me any further.
Unfortunately because this company is know for this activities and their terms and conditions covered them I wont be able to receive my full money back. My bank (LLoyds TSB) has called them and arranged for me to receive refund of the membership fee and all bids apart from the £1 to be refunded, but I still need to pay their £28 cancellation fee.in total I will only be refunded £34.97, £29 is lost to that company. I cannot have imagined to have lost more then what I have initially paid for.
This is a warning for everyone, read terms and conditions! If they don't state an amount ask before paying anything and always google a company before paying anything.
If this has already happened to you, first thing is to call your bank, they most likely already know about this company and wont be able to refund your money as their activity is known and they have covered themselves by stating that they would charge a fee, regardless of not stating the amount. You have 30 days to cancel and get refunded all the amount but you will still have to pay cancellation fee of £28 and your bid.
If anyone has managed to receive back all their money back please let me know how you did it as I am with Visa and they can't do a cash back as Ziinga dispute is known and they have covered themselves with their terms and conditions. Also this I find really strange as if a company is know for this activity why has trading standers not done anything. They are stealing people money!
My case is still new, so I have to wait and see if my remaining cash will be refunded in 2 weeks. I have read stories that they will try to take further amount of my account, but my bank has warned them by letter and any amount that will now be taken will be refunded as they are not allowed to do this. The membership is for 3 months, so I am not really pleased to know that I have to continue to deal with this company for that length of time.
It is hard to believe that an amount as small as £1 could cause so much trouble. I have learned my lesson and will be more vigilant next time.
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