Many Practical Caravan forumites will have seen the popular television programme that is filmed just up the road from me called Peaky Blinders.
I've just encountered their online equivalent - Cheeky Blinders!
Back in May I renewed my internet anti-virus protection online by paying via my debit card on my computer and downloading the protection codes and software.
All well and good, it does what it says on the tin and keeps me safe from cyber nasties.
I vaguely remember an advert appearing to do with savings on days out, leisure activities and such things as theater tickets and I clicked on it just to have a look without really thinking too much about it.
I was checking my bank statements this morning when I noticed a £10 deduction for something that I don't remember buying.
The information wasn't clear from the bank statement what I'd bought and upon looking further back I saw similar £10 payments.
The bank supplied contact details and a quick online search revealed several complaints regarding unauthorised deductions from bank accounts from various people.
I used the automated phone line to cancel my 'membership' and an email confirmation was sent back straight away.
From the information given in the email I found that I'd somehow become a member of a leisure savings group which apparently offers discounts on such things as days out, theater tickets and assorted leisure activities, none of which I'd ever be likely or able to use.
I phoned the company concerned again and hung on to speak to an operator who agreed that I hadn't consented to pay this money and has promised a full refund within the next ten days.
Naturally I've contacted my bank to block these scam merchants from taking any more money in the future and I've emailed those concerned to let them know in no uncertain terms that any further attempts by anyone connected with their activities to steal my money will be reported to the police as alleged theft.
The moral of the story is one that I ought to have thought about, never click on anything that you don't know the origin of. Be careful when making online purchases, the amounts involved were relatively small and apparently this scam is attached to several big name legitimate online traders so regard anything which advertises leisure time or savings as suspect and don't touch it.
I've just encountered their online equivalent - Cheeky Blinders!
Back in May I renewed my internet anti-virus protection online by paying via my debit card on my computer and downloading the protection codes and software.
All well and good, it does what it says on the tin and keeps me safe from cyber nasties.
I vaguely remember an advert appearing to do with savings on days out, leisure activities and such things as theater tickets and I clicked on it just to have a look without really thinking too much about it.
I was checking my bank statements this morning when I noticed a £10 deduction for something that I don't remember buying.
The information wasn't clear from the bank statement what I'd bought and upon looking further back I saw similar £10 payments.
The bank supplied contact details and a quick online search revealed several complaints regarding unauthorised deductions from bank accounts from various people.
I used the automated phone line to cancel my 'membership' and an email confirmation was sent back straight away.
From the information given in the email I found that I'd somehow become a member of a leisure savings group which apparently offers discounts on such things as days out, theater tickets and assorted leisure activities, none of which I'd ever be likely or able to use.
I phoned the company concerned again and hung on to speak to an operator who agreed that I hadn't consented to pay this money and has promised a full refund within the next ten days.
Naturally I've contacted my bank to block these scam merchants from taking any more money in the future and I've emailed those concerned to let them know in no uncertain terms that any further attempts by anyone connected with their activities to steal my money will be reported to the police as alleged theft.
The moral of the story is one that I ought to have thought about, never click on anything that you don't know the origin of. Be careful when making online purchases, the amounts involved were relatively small and apparently this scam is attached to several big name legitimate online traders so regard anything which advertises leisure time or savings as suspect and don't touch it.