Home security alarm system company charged $28.60 on 1/8/13 despite the contract being terminated on 16/07/2013. They've been sending me monthly bills since then.
One morning in June, after moving into the current property, I called the phone number listed on my alarm pad regarding a beeping sound coming from the alarm number pad inside the house.
I was told by the company owner that it was due to the battery needing replacements, and if I subscribed to their back to base service he would do it for no cost.
He gave me his son-in-law's phone number. The son-in-law helped me get rid of the alarm, and told me that the beeping was due to the phone line being dropped as a result ownership change. He told me every thing was fine and asked me to sign a contract a contract regarding the back to base subscription (he did not inform me that it was a 3-year contract, and that it could not be terminated - these terms were printed on the back side of paper which I signed and I was unaware of these terms prior to signing the contract form).
After a few days, the pad beeper went off again, and I was able to stop it beeping myself. I got 2-3 messages from the base station regarding the need to change my battery. I called the son-in-law a few times, he told me every thing was ok. After a few more messages from the base, I called him again, and he told me that I needed to talk to his wife regarding scheduling an appointment.
I called his wife, and was told I will be charged $130 for her husband to come to my house. I informed her that I'd spoken to her father earlier and come to an agreement with him. She called me back and told me that's fine but I will be charged around $40 for the new battery. I told her that was not the agreement. I phoned her husband again and I was asked by him to change the battery (these are large special batteries which are hard to find) myself. I had no idea how to do it - I did manage to learn and do it myself later. When even after 10 - 14 days the batteries was not changed.
I decided to terminate the contract and I learnt then that it was a 3-year fixed contract, which was not breakable. After having to change the security system batteries myself I spoke to the company owner's daughter regarding terminating my contract, and then was put through to the accountant of the company, probably around 16/07/2013.
After explaining myself to the accountant, the decision was made that the contract will be terminated, but I should pay a total of $88 for the home visit, which I was happy to do and was charged the balance of $59.40 on the 16/07/2013. I had no problem paying for the service I received. Unfortunately, nothing was given to me in writing by the accountant. I thought that problem was settled then.
My recent credit card statement showed I was charged again $28.60 after that on 01/08/2013, I cancelled my credit card, but they keep sending me monthly invoice. I tried to call the security company owner, his son-in-law or his daughter 4-5 times since then. They would not speak to me and would always put me through the secretary, who keeps sending me the pay out figure for the full 3-year contract which is about $1200.
What should I do under Australian Consumer Law? Should I contact the Office of Fair Trading QLD?
Thank you.
One morning in June, after moving into the current property, I called the phone number listed on my alarm pad regarding a beeping sound coming from the alarm number pad inside the house.
I was told by the company owner that it was due to the battery needing replacements, and if I subscribed to their back to base service he would do it for no cost.
He gave me his son-in-law's phone number. The son-in-law helped me get rid of the alarm, and told me that the beeping was due to the phone line being dropped as a result ownership change. He told me every thing was fine and asked me to sign a contract a contract regarding the back to base subscription (he did not inform me that it was a 3-year contract, and that it could not be terminated - these terms were printed on the back side of paper which I signed and I was unaware of these terms prior to signing the contract form).
After a few days, the pad beeper went off again, and I was able to stop it beeping myself. I got 2-3 messages from the base station regarding the need to change my battery. I called the son-in-law a few times, he told me every thing was ok. After a few more messages from the base, I called him again, and he told me that I needed to talk to his wife regarding scheduling an appointment.
I called his wife, and was told I will be charged $130 for her husband to come to my house. I informed her that I'd spoken to her father earlier and come to an agreement with him. She called me back and told me that's fine but I will be charged around $40 for the new battery. I told her that was not the agreement. I phoned her husband again and I was asked by him to change the battery (these are large special batteries which are hard to find) myself. I had no idea how to do it - I did manage to learn and do it myself later. When even after 10 - 14 days the batteries was not changed.
I decided to terminate the contract and I learnt then that it was a 3-year fixed contract, which was not breakable. After having to change the security system batteries myself I spoke to the company owner's daughter regarding terminating my contract, and then was put through to the accountant of the company, probably around 16/07/2013.
After explaining myself to the accountant, the decision was made that the contract will be terminated, but I should pay a total of $88 for the home visit, which I was happy to do and was charged the balance of $59.40 on the 16/07/2013. I had no problem paying for the service I received. Unfortunately, nothing was given to me in writing by the accountant. I thought that problem was settled then.
My recent credit card statement showed I was charged again $28.60 after that on 01/08/2013, I cancelled my credit card, but they keep sending me monthly invoice. I tried to call the security company owner, his son-in-law or his daughter 4-5 times since then. They would not speak to me and would always put me through the secretary, who keeps sending me the pay out figure for the full 3-year contract which is about $1200.
What should I do under Australian Consumer Law? Should I contact the Office of Fair Trading QLD?
Thank you.