Caution when buying services online

[matbennett]

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Been having an interesting exchange with Lloyds TSB that I think may raise a few eyebrows here.

I'd hazard a guess that there are a few people on this forum who spend a fair chunk on their debit cards each month buying services - as opposed to physical goods.

I've been trying to dispute a transaction on grounds of non-delivery, and Lloyds have told me that where services are concerned they will only cancel the transaction if I have it in writing from the merchant that they do not intend to honour the transaction.

As far as I can tell, this means that you can set-up a website selling services that you have no intention of providing and the bank is happy for you to keep the money as long as you never answer the phone or emails. Didn't get much reply when I put this to them.

Luckily this is only a small transaction made on the company card - rather than mine. Find it all a bit irresponsable though.

[Mc661]

debit card or credit card.

Two different things, two totally different set of rules.

[matbennett]

Stupidly, I used the debit card.

[davthp]

Using a debit card is like using a cheque or cash - why should the bank protect you in this case!

[matbennett]

For non-delivery they usually do (believe me the banks are quick enough to process a chargeback if a customer complains as a result of a Royal mail screwup!).

What they said though was that, in the case of service provision, the only proof they will accept is writtend confirmation from the merchant. They even said at the time that it would be different if it were physical goods.