Is this dodgy?

[Couchsweetpotato]

I just ordered through a website with a voucher code. The discounted amount showed up, I paid with my card, and then the full amount was charged to the card.

I called up and apparently their processes don't allow the discount to be applied after the event. They are aware of 'lots of glitches' on their website, which has been newly designed.

I'm really cross. To my mind, this is fraud. If they know the website is doing this, there should be a warning. Plenty of people won't notice. I've been offered the choice of returned the delivered item and then re-ordering or accepting a gift voucher as a 'goodwill gesture'. I've had to accept the voucher as I simply don't have time for the other option. To use it I'd have to give them more money as nothing on the website costs as little as the voucher is for.

When you reached the "Pay Now" page, was the amount showing the discounted amount or the full amount? If it was the discounted amount, then I think they are obliged to let you have the item at that amount; and I would take the complaint to the card issuing company, if necessary.

If it was the full amount, then I think you are probably stuck, sorry.

It was the discounted amount. The full amount then appeared on the receipt.

My reading of that would be that the agreement was to sell you the item for £x, and any deduction from your card above that was unauthorised. They might say you have already accepted the voucher & so it is too late to re-complain, but a strongly worded email to them, giving say 5 days to refund your card, failing which you will inform the card issuing company, is probably worth it.

May I ask about how much is involved? (Feel free not to answer.)

I've already written to complain. I was told that got a quicker response than email.

It is the magnificent sum of £4.04. I am working entirely on principle here. The customer services woman had the cheek to tell me I should be pleased with the voucher as it was £5. Given that there's nothing on the website for £5, I pointed out that I had lost my discount and would now have to give them MORE money to use the voucher. But I imagine that the amount would be greater for some as it's 15% off purchase and you could easily spend quite a lot.

If you think this is happening routinely, you might want to tell trading standards. If you google, you will find details of how to report the website. (Sorry, am on phone, or would do it for you. )

If you find this as a fraud then why not you report it as soon as possible.