I Want My Money back! (Manweb)

Member Name: shroud

Product:	Manweb
Date:	30/11/01 (205 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: quick to take your money, prompt on setting up your new account

Disadvantages: keep taking money by direct debit even after you change suppliers (see above), bad customer service when called

I have a real gripe about Manweb. This is part of Scottish Power and I have to say that they have given really bad service. We set up our account with them when we first moved in, and other than the first piece of mail we got being addressed to the prior tenant (it was his final bill though), all seemed all right apart from the electric rates being a bit high.

Seeing as we were offered a better deal on a dual fuel type bill with British Gas, our gas supplier, we changed over. Here is where the nightmare began. We duly notified Manweb, and even received a letter from them asking us to please reconsider and come back, the usual “we really want your business” ploy. We declined of course, and happily went along enjoying our savings.

Then we noticed Manweb was still debiting our checking account. We rang and they said they had not been notified of the change. We pointed out they sent us a letter acknowledging the change, and that we were currently being billed by British Gas. They promised they would close the account and refund our money. I waited. No final statement and no money. I called again; once more they promised they would do it. I had a look at our bank; they had taken more money! I was livid. We did receive a statement acknowledging it was our final statement, but no cheque. I rang again.

I was told that the account was still open and they were taking money because we had not asked them not to. I pointed out that they were not our supplier. They were aware of that I was told, but unless we told them specifically to stop collecting money, they would continue and keep our account open so that we could accrue credit. I thought that was absolutely the most ridiculous story I had ever been told. Perhaps I should just go with the flow though and go pay Tesco for my groceries whilst I shop with Iceland. That way I build a credit with Tesco! I mean honestly, that was absolutely ridiculous. I told the woman VERY politely that w
e did not want to pay them any more money, to please close the account as previously requested, and send the promised cheque.

I went and had a cup of coffee to calm myself down, then logged on to cancel the direct debit instruction myself lest they messed us over AGAIN. To my surprise they had cancelled it themselves at long last, but to this date I have had no cheque. I have once again called, and emailed their customer service centre, so hopefully I will get our money before I retire in 35 years time. I have to say if this is the sort of customer service they provide, I am extremely relieved that we changed providers.

In the meantime, I have to figure out how to pay British Gas, after all, Manweb has our electricity funds. I have to say, British gas has been super about it, and as long as the wait is not too long, they are waiting. Hey, Manweb, I want our money back!

Summary: