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Refusing to end subscription in writing, can they?

57 replies

TheViewFromTheCheapSeats · 20/08/2021 16:43

I struggle with talking on the phone due to hearing impairment, and lines being open in working hours, I normally get someone to help relay the conversation a bit if I can’t hear. I avoid phonecalls as much as possible as it always ends up embarrassing to with asking to repeat/ missing info and mix ups.

I have a subscription with The Times newspaper they refuse to end it unless I call. They say they must actually talk to the account holder, why I don’t know as they don’t know my voice personally and I can add any required info in writing. Can they do this? It began in writing. It just pissed me off on principle tbh that I can’t use a reasonable tool of communication, either post, email or through the online account. Lots of notice for them before the contract at its end, in writing I can do it independently. I hate having to drag others into calls when it’s not necessary and get approval etc (don’t start me on people refusing to talk if they think they are on loud speaker for ‘security reasons’ even if you assure them you are alone on your house phone).

Short read; can a company ignore you through all lines of communication except the phone, when this wasn’t clear at the outset?

OP posts:
PuppyMonkey · 24/08/2021 21:49

I was also going to recommend Twitter. I’d follow you on Twitter OP, you’ve made me Grin with that reenactment of the call.

HalzTangz · 24/08/2021 22:41

Just cancel the direct debit. I did this with the Times subscription, I didn't ring or email, just cancelled to payment

TheViewFromTheCheapSeats · 24/08/2021 22:42

I’ve spoken to my bank and reversed it, really easy. The thing was I’d just changed payment methods. So I couldn’t cancel it before today as it hadn’t actually been actioned for the first payment (I used a card before).

If they have an issue with it they can reply to the emails I’ve been sending them! I will though reply to any attempts to call me though that for security reasons it must be in writing so I can verify I’m actually writing to The Times 🙄

OP posts:
faw2009 · 24/08/2021 22:47

wow, happened to me too. I had cancelled after a trial, and they still kept charging my card. I stupidly hadn't noticed for ages. They did refund me by cheque which took ages. They must be surviving on a float of charging people months and months after cancelled subscriptions.

TheViewFromTheCheapSeats · 24/08/2021 22:49

What could you tweet them? I guess whatever the hell you like, seeing as they will only reply to phonecalls. A bit like the old joke ‘what do you call an Angry Gorilla with a banana in each ear? Anything you like- he can’t hear you’.

OP posts:
TheViewFromTheCheapSeats · 24/08/2021 22:50

@faw2009 a cheque??!!
Wtf do you have to use to make a formal complaint? A fucking fax?????

OP posts:
faw2009 · 24/08/2021 23:04

yep, a cheque! Seem to have no problem taking my money by card though.

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