Reviews from this user (114905)

Unreasonable payment demanding

Review about Academic Singles

I am writing to formally raise a serious concern regarding the recent communication I received about an “outstanding membership fee.”

The email I originally received earlier last year was misleading. Important information about contract renewal and the required notice period for cancellation was buried at the very end of the message, while the subject line and main content focused almost entirely on promotional material. This presentation concealed the critical terms, and as a result, I was not aware that the membership would renew automatically or that 30 days’ notice was required for cancellation.

Once I became aware of the renewal terms, I responded immediately and gave notice in accordance with the stated 30-day requirement. In good faith, I am willing to pay for one month beyond my notice period, despite not using the service. However, I strongly dispute your demand for payment for three months (and now apparently six months) beyond my cancellation date.

In addition, I did not receive any prior notification of an “outstanding balance” or any payment deadlines before receiving the recent demand. I also note that when I contacted your claims department in June to query why I had been sent a six-month payment demand, I was told the matter had been referred to an external debt collection agency and that my questions would no longer be answered.

This approach — failing to communicate clearly, refusing to explain charges, and escalating to debt collection without resolving legitimate disputes — is not only deeply unfair, it risks breaching New Zealand consumer protection laws. Under the Fair Trading Act and the Consumer Guarantees Act, businesses are required to act in a manner that is not misleading or deceptive and to provide services with reasonable care and skill.

I therefore request:
1. A written explanation of why I am being charged for more than 30 days after my cancellation notice.
2. A withdrawal of any charges beyond the one month I have already offered to pay.
3. Written confirmation that my account will not be pursued further by debt collectors.

If this matter is not resolved promptly, I will have no choice but to escalate it to the Commerce Commission, the Disputes Tribunal, and my local Citizens Advice Bureau.

In my view, this is unfair and not how customers should be treated. Clear, transparent communication should be standard practice, and payment demands should be backed by valid, explained charges. I hope others read this before signing up.

Pros
None

Cons
Terrible customer service

replies: