A SAVVY saver has shared how they got a £675 refund after following an easy Martin Lewis tip.
The latest MoneySavingExpert newsletter is urging customers to check if they are owed a refund after signing up for a misleading “click to claim” ad from Complete Savings.
1
The website offers members access to discounts and cashback on purchases from a variety of online retailers and service providers.
Ads by the firm were previously banned by the Advertising Standards Agency for being misleading and not stating that customers would be charged a subscription for using the service.
In some cases customers have also had to make additional purchases to get the cashback.
These misleading advertisements were banned by the Watchdog in October 2024.
Reader Ray, a 70-year-old retired nurse from Sussex, fell victim to one of the schemes after doing an online food shop via Iceland during the pandemic.
As he was checking out, he saw an ad for Complete Savings and entered his credit card details believing he would be paid cash back.
Unbeknown to him he was signing up for a monthly subscription worth £15. This added up to £675.
Ray only realised three years in that he was being charged the money after spotting an MSE article following the news.
He told the outlet: “I felt stark horror. But your [MoneySavingExpert] article informed me and gave me the confidence to know that I was not alone, and that MSE and the ASA were aware of Complete Savings.”
Ray rang up Complete Savings to request his money back, he was initially given three months’ worth but eventually managed to get the full refund.
He added: “I am so glad I persisted with my argument of consent inferred by inaction and the ASA’s ruling regarding Complete Savings’ misleading offer, thanks to your article.”
And he is not the only person who has given money back.
Suzanne email this to MoneySavingExpert said: “I noticed that my credit card had a monthly payment to Complete Savings, which I had mistaken for my monthly bridge membership.
“I consider myself to be pretty financially savvy but this one caught me out – I was mortified.”
She added: “I contacted Complete Savings and was initially offered a refund for three months, but then I received all £657 in payments credited back to my account. Thanks MSE!”
HOW TO GET MONEY BACK IF YOU HAVE BEEN IMPACTED
Complete Savings charged customers £18 to use its service, and you cannot sign up direclty you need to make a purchase first.
If you think there has been a chance you signed up to the service you should check your bank statements and cancel your subscription.
It may appear on you statement as the any of the following:
- – WLY*COMPLETESAVE.CO.UK
- – COMPLETESAVE.CO.UK
- – CASH.COMPLETESAVE.CO.UK
- – GO2.COMPLETESAVE.CO.UK
- – WWW.COMPLETESAVE.CO.UK
To cancel you can do reach out to Complete Savings over emails at customerservice@completesavings.co.uk or by calling 0800 389 6960.
In your email it may be worth mentioning the ASA ruling to support your case better.
Also if you are offered a partial refund don’t assume this is the best you can get.
Try going back and asking for a full one, which appeared to work for Ray and other MSE readers.
How do cashback websites work?
They promise to earn you money on your shopping – but how do cashback websites work?
- Cashback sites agree offers with retailers which they pass on to customers
- This can vary from a set amount of money off whatever you are buying, or a percentage of the cost of your purchase
- The sums range from pennies for groceries to more than £100 for some mobile or broadband contracts
- You have to make your purchases by clicking through from the cashback site
- Because the sites drive traffic to retailers, they earn money from brands they support
- Membership of most sites is free – although some offer premium subscriptions which you pay more for.
