How can a company know debit card details I haven't given them?

[SouthernComforts]

Hi.

I got my home insurance renewal quote in the post today. It states unless I cancel, payment will be automatically taken from card no. XXXXXXXX 1234. Last November 16 I paid the full year as a one off debit card payment, so I'm not sure I actually authorised them to take any further payments AND I cancelled all my cards in July 17, so new card number issued, and they have my current card details.

Is that normal? I had to amend my details on Netflix which uses long card number, I assumed nobody had the long card number unless I gave it?

Did you fill out a direct debit mandate thing, with your bank account details on it? If so, maybe they can get your current card details from your bank..?

Really not sure. I’d call your bank and ask them.

Scary what companies can know about us these days.

It's a thing.

Look up Visa Account Updater.

I'm not sure I did Whats , but I'll go through the process again online to check.

It’s called a continuing payment authority that you need to cancel with your bank . They have autorenewed the policy unless you cancel

I promise it will be VAU.

Caught me out with an automatic renewal for a subscription service as I assumed they wouldn't be able to take the money as I had changed cards.

If they are signed up to VAU they can and will.

Thanks pasta, I knew MN would have the answer!

VAU 'reduces the opportunity for service cancellation' blardy hell. There must be a system in place to prevent fraudulent subscriptions or services continuing after cancelling a card then? The reason I cancelled was a fraudulent paypal payment, but VAU could update my new card details and the fraudster could continue to buy?

I think it costs money for the retailers to be signed up to it so it's probably only worth it for big companies.