On 14/01/2008, Rishab Aiyer Ghosh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > i can't imagine why a bank would initiate a direct debit without some > sort of affirmative authorisation. an address is not an authorisation. > at least some sort of PIN or other password should be required, if not a > signature.
There is an authorization form; which the account holder fills (with his a/c number and sort code as well as, as you say, a signature) and returns to the company seeking direct debit payments. These companies are allowed such a privilege only after a careful selection process - usually utility companies like power, telephone etc. - since the bank is legally required to refund any money sent by direct debit to the customer if he chooses to ask for it. http://www.bacs.co.uk/BACS/Consumers/Direct+Debit/Your+rights/ In this particular case, the charity involved might find themselves unable to set up future direct debits; they are probably going to end up as the losers here. Binand
