Need some help here please. On 23 Nov 21, HIdenda sent FiL a letter saying he has requested their services to arrange a Marriage Tax refund - they sent a screenshot of his signature (electronic signature). They requested additional documents and if not sent, they would charge a £300 fee.
Unfortunately FiL is nearly 81 years of age and in failing health, he is currently awaiting the results of a brain scan due to suspected onset dementia. He is not well and does not recall making the application; he does not require Hidenda’s services.
T&C say:
8.2 You have a total of 14 days (which starts from the date you signed these terms & conditions) to cancel your authorityinstructing us to act on your behalf without incurring any charge. Additionally, you may cancel your claim at any stageproviding the claim has not been submitted to HMRC. Cancellation after 14 days of you signing these terms & conditionswill mean you must pay us our reasonable costs.
8.2.1 Our reasonable costs shall be calculated by multiplying the number of hours work completed by the rate of seventyfive pounds per hour.
I emailed Hidenda this and they have replied today saying either send the documents or pay £300 to cancel.
Any ideas on the way forward?","comment":[{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47514040","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2022-05-26T20:49:29.000Z","text":"Got a letter saying that as a 'good will' gesture they will no longer persue for payment. Nice of them!
It took months and several emails and a registered letter - but it was worth it to get them off our backs.
We were prepared to go to court over this, but I get the feeling it would never have come to that and they are just scummy chancers."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/48797874","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"yorinul"},"datePublished":"2022-11-23T18:28:04.000Z","text":"It looks like they have been told off by the Financial Conduct Authority and told to repay all customers the £300. This was 31st of October.
\"5.The Firm will use best endeavours to direct HTL to initiate a redress exercise to repay all customers the £300 cancellation fee charged by HTL.\""},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46514296","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"oldcodger"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:36:38.000Z","text":"!!!!!!!!!!! DO NOT SEND THEM A COPY OF THE REAL SIGNATURE, THEY MAY USE THAT TO FRAUD UP ANOTHER DOCUMENT WHICH MAY CAUSE YOU ADDITIONAL PROBLEMS, apologies for the caps but I wanted you to notice my input urgently. "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513675","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T15:33:03.000Z","text":"Just checked the signature from Hidenda to his driving licence - they are nothing alike."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47521215","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2022-05-28T08:40:21.000Z","text":"infoAThidendatax.com
but all i got back from them was that the 'fee' of £300 was to paid and 'sorry, nothing we can do'.
We then sent a letter saying, \"see you in court\" and got a reply back saying they were not taking it any further.
But yes, they are threatening and our inlaws were terrified too - scum, absolute scum."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46514273","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Delbert.Grady"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:34:31.000Z","text":"
\"Thank you for your reply. However, as mentioned, my Father in Law is an …\"Thank you for your reply. However, as mentioned, my Father in Law is an 81 year old vulnerable adult and did make this request, nor does he require your services. Since Hidenda are unwilling to cancel this and insist on a £300 cancellation charge, we have carried out further investigation. Kenneth did not submit this claim nor is it his signature on the contract - the signature is vastly different to his own signature (driving licence etc) - we are happy to provide proof of signature if required. The signature Hidenda has, has been added either maliciously or fraudulently, either way, we will dispute this in court if necessary and will be contacting our local MP.This is causing unnecessary distress to both my Father and Mother in Law who are both in their 80's, especially to my Father in Law who as mentioned, is suffering from onset dementia and other serious medical conditions.I am hopeful Hidenda will cancel without any further charge.\"Depends how much they want their £300 now. I suspect we will have to go to court
Is this a copy of the actual reply you sent? Because you've said \"my Father in Law is an 81 year old vulnerable adult and did make this request\", thereby admitting that he did request their services. I presume you missed out the word \"not\"?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46514355","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:42:27.000Z","text":"
Is this a copy of the actual reply you sent? Because you've said \"my …Is this a copy of the actual reply you sent? Because you've said \"my Father in Law is an 81 year old vulnerable adult and did make this request\", thereby admitting that he did request their services. I presume you missed out the word \"not\"?
Recalled and replaced - ffs! Ty.
Sorry, bit stressed."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46587739","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2022-01-01T13:34:24.000Z","text":"
They don't have the money to pay the £300, never mind a solicitor."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47520756","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"tracy.bakerz5Z"},"datePublished":"2022-05-28T06:41:32.000Z","text":"
Got a letter saying that as a 'good will' gesture they will no longer …Got a letter saying that as a 'good will' gesture they will no longer persue for payment. Nice of them!It took months and several emails and a registered letter - but it was worth it to get them off our backs.We were prepared to go to court over this, but I get the feeling it would never have come to that and they are just scummy chancers.
Good mornin, my 72 year old parents are going through the exact same thing at the moment. Could I please ask how you got them to stop in the end? Is there anyone in particular I should contact? They are scared witless. Any help would be greatfully recieved xx"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532120","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T14:08:45.000Z","text":"
Seems like a friend of mine is now having the same problem re marriage …Seems like a friend of mine is now having the same problem re marriage allowance - I will pass this email address on as she has tried on numerous occasions to contact them either via call or email and no one has got back to her other than sending threatening letters through the post! Glad you got it sorted
From my research so far they operate completely by putting fear into the older generation.
I have found precisely no evidence of them taking anyone to court."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532813","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T15:57:03.000Z","text":"
how long has this been going on for you? The first threatening letter my …how long has this been going on for you? The first threatening letter my friend received was on Friday last week - apparently she has until the 9th June to send her completed forms back or its £300 she will be billed for - from what I understand, she didnt fully complete the forms online but obviously enough for them to get arsy with her
Similar with us. Exact same format. They haven’t got a legal leg to stand on."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532938","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T16:15:55.000Z","text":"
Hope they dont as she suffers from serious anxiety issues over the years …Hope they dont as she suffers from serious anxiety issues over the years and these threats arent helping - I will get involved proactively though I fear as she signed electronically early May, it might be a difficult one - but they now want her to sign the paper documents she received last Friday (which I've told her not to as her NI number was missing) and requiring her to sign again! - Might take some legal advice from those in the know about this kind of thing
I think these letters would cause anyone anxiety and that’s precisely what they are looking for. They are vermin."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47533168","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T17:00:39.000Z","text":"
Ive just been looking at her paperwork and when she electronically signed, …Ive just been looking at her paperwork and when she electronically signed, May 5th (evening) - she cancelled May 20th (morning) so making it just under 15 full days - they tell her as she didnt meet the 14 day deadline, then the fee of £300 applies ffs! I think they are starting to get onto dodgy ground here given her husband never signed and yet they now expect him to with the paperwork demanding written signatories from both parties! - bunch of scammers can blow it out there pants!
I found an article on Pinsent Masons solicitors page regarding the validity of \"e-signatures\" in the English and Welsh courts and whether or not they hold up. As of the article's date (2020) there hasn't been a test case. Tell your friend to tell them to **** off."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47534058","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T19:38:35.000Z","text":"
Thanks for the heads up! I found that her husband had no idea she had …Thanks for the heads up! I found that her husband had no idea she had applied and used a digital signature - he can easily evidence this and as such, she would need his permission to sign on his behalf - one part now solved and proven on a court case 2016 Marlbray Ltd v Laditi and another [2016] EWCACIV476. LIke you, personally, I think they are trying it on with scare tactics / costs / bailiffs etc which as it is also addressed to her husband which is harassment under the harassment act 1997 which is a criminal offence, demanding money with menaces, blackmail and the list goes on - so yes she tell em to do one in a less polite manor!
The sad part in all of this is the older folks with no one to rationalise their bollocks with might just pay out or allow them to go through with it.
My relative most definitely didn’t sign anything, rather entered his name and address and backed out as soon as they asked for more details. They have now sent him unsolicited emails and I plan to carry this through to the Information Commissioners Office along with the FCA.
Their sole business, which is filling marriage allowance claims on behalf of people who can’t be arsed doing it themselves nets this 40% of the entitled pay out. Whilst unethical, it’s not much different from the old “no win no fee” stuff.
Harassing people who have not entered into anything in wet ink crosses from immoral into illegal for me."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47537198","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-31T11:49:08.000Z","text":"\"Section 2 of their contract\" - which neither your relative or anyone else's relative signed. e-signatures won't hold up in court.
I hold a degree in Scots law and work in the legal profession and whilst not a solicitor, I have enough knowledge to know that these cowboys operate using highly underhanded (at best... illegal at worst) tactics."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47566372","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mees"},"datePublished":"2022-06-05T16:03:55.000Z","text":"Hello
My father has also just signed up to this company a few weeks again - I have just found out For those that have communcated to this company on behalf of someone, did you email them or write to them? If so can you share the email or address please."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47566529","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-06-05T16:37:57.000Z","text":"In case anyone misses my replies to others in this thread... I emailed the surveyor dealing with the let of the space and he came back informing me that they are close to letting the place to new tenants. So they are gone from that property. I also provided the surveyor with all 9 pages of one star reviews on Trustpilot for Hidenda and he has passed this on to the property managers."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47995276","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"performgirl28"},"datePublished":"2022-08-10T13:11:02.000Z","text":"Thank you all so much I am going to send an email to them saying I have no intention of paying the £300 and I will see them in court, just hope it works, as I am in no position to pay any money I don't have it and that's the end of it x"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/48033117","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"performgirl28"},"datePublished":"2022-08-16T12:54:00.000Z","text":"So i sent them this email from myselfAnd this is the reply I got from them so yes don't let them scare you into doing something you will regret"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/48314367","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"j2385"},"datePublished":"2022-09-27T18:21:03.000Z","text":"Similar to Performgirl28's post above. I sent the following email recently:
\"To whom it may concern,
I have received several letters relating to an innocent enquiry I made whilst browsing the internet in August.
I have absolutely no intention of paying any sum of money to your company.
These letters are addressed both myself and my wife. She has not made any enquiry or signed anything. I'd question if this tactic is not in breach of the Harassment Act 1997.
I have passed all correspondence to my solicitor, as well as countless online accounts/reviews of others dealing with Hidenda (of which I wish I'd read some time ago).
Please reply and confirm this enquiry has been cancelled. I am more than happy to go a different route if not\"
They immediately emailed back and closed the claim, without quibble.
They are bullys. Bully the bully, its the only thing that works!"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532192","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"paul31"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T14:19:20.000Z","text":"
From my research so far they operate completely by putting fear into the …From my research so far they operate completely by putting fear into the older generation.I have found precisely no evidence of them taking anyone to court.
Ive found out quite alot about them - In particular their directors Lee Mellor (lee.mellor@hidenda.com) and Gaynor Birchall - He has 7 companies registered at the same address and is connected to some in tax, legal and insolvency business - Dont think they employ more than 4 people max - Ive also found out where he lives!"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532330","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T14:39:01.000Z","text":"
Ive found out quite alot about them - In particular their directors Lee …Ive found out quite alot about them - In particular their directors Lee Mellor (lee.mellor@hidenda.com) and Gaynor Birchall - He has 7 companies registered at the same address and is connected to some in tax, legal and insolvency business - Dont think they employ more than 4 people max - Ive also found out where he lives!
Yep, got all of that as well. Their letters, whilst consisting of threatening undertones have remained moderately professional, so I will reply with the same just now apart from the spelling of “excellent” at the bottom of their letters "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513102","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"BadMF"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T14:27:09.000Z","text":"Refuse to sign anything or pay anything, wait for it to go to court and say your father in law wasn’t of sound mind. It’ll be thrown out.
Or contact them and tell them as such"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513168","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T14:33:32.000Z","text":"They are saying he has signed a contract and have provided proof."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513259","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Flynn.Jack"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T14:43:39.000Z","text":"Which: Beware of unofficial services taking as much as 40% of your payout plus hundreds extra in admin fees when you can instead claim for free. "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513911","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T15:59:15.000Z","text":"\"Thank you for your reply. However, as mentioned, my Father in Law is an 81 year old vulnerable adult and did make this request, nor does he require your services.
Since Hidenda are unwilling to cancel this and insist on a £300 cancellation charge, we have carried out further investigation. Kenneth did not submit this claim nor is it his signature on the contract - the signature is vastly different to his own signature (driving licence etc) - we are happy to provide proof of signature if required. The signature Hidenda has, has been added either maliciously or fraudulently, either way, we will dispute this in court if necessary and will be contacting our local MP.
This is causing unnecessary distress to both my Father and Mother in Law who are both in their 80's, especially to my Father in Law who as mentioned, is suffering from onset dementia and other serious medical conditions.
I am hopeful Hidenda will cancel without any further charge.\"
Depends how much they want their £300 now. I suspect we will have to go to court "},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513964","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mutley1"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:05:05.000Z","text":"do you think this is a scam or did you father in law confusedly signed something?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46513988","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:06:46.000Z","text":"
do you think this is a scam or did you father in law confusedly signed …do you think this is a scam or did you father in law confusedly signed something?
I thought he may have done, but he is saying he hasn't and the signatures are nothing alike."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46514036","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"mutley1"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:12:06.000Z","text":"
I thought he may have done, but he is saying he hasn't and the signatures …I thought he may have done, but he is saying he hasn't and the signatures are nothing alike.
they will need to prove that he did sign the document. i would just stand your ground and wait for them to take action as it would be very believable that he was confused but the signature being totally different may not be accepted as evidence.
you could ask them for evidence that he did sign that document as the signature is totally different and your father in law states that he did not instruct them.
you could ask to see the whole form with all his details on it as this will prove whether he did complete the form or not. if there are personal details that only he would know on the form then he would have had to complete the form as they wouldn't have been able to make that up."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46514412","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"markmc999"},"datePublished":"2021-12-23T16:48:04.000Z","text":"
Recalled and replaced - ffs! Ty.Sorry, bit stressed.
Recalls dont work
I suggest sending a letter by tracked post that you can keep as proof that it was sent as a correction - so they cannot say they did not get the second one."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46522020","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Timbonagasaki"},"datePublished":"2021-12-24T12:45:52.000Z","text":"Have you tried Citizens Advice? They offer free, expert advice and will be able to contact Trading Standards if necessary. Also, would he actually be eligible for a a refund?"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46529779","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Helpful567"},"datePublished":"2021-12-25T12:19:14.000Z","text":"
Just checked the signature from Hidenda to his driving licence - they are …Just checked the signature from Hidenda to his driving licence - they are nothing alike.
Your post says
”they sent a screenshot of his signature (electronic signature)“
so his electronic signature may be different to his true signature (assuming it was online, using a mouse)
however
does the electronic signature match the way that he signs
eg If his driving licence signature is
j bloggs
then hilendas should be the same
if however theirs says
joe bloggs
then it is probably fraudulent"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46529878","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Helpful567"},"datePublished":"2021-12-25T12:37:16.000Z","text":"Suggest that you submit a Data Subject Access request to Hidenda as this should include the contract you signed and the information submitted so far
perhaps use your case details and the Facebook/truspilot reviews to get trading standards to look into this there seems to be other cases of elderly being scammed by them
also, their website does not allow you to fill the forms in online unless you have contacted them. So either your father in law did ring them or he responded to a cold call telephone or he has used them before to claim ppi and he is still on their records
their website does let you log in with your claims number to get an update so a lot of information may be on there"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46587442","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"ivrytwr3"},"datePublished":"2022-01-01T12:51:57.000Z","text":"We have made a complaint to financial-ombudsman.org.uk - still awaiting a response.
In the meantime, the inlaws have received a Letter Before Court Action from Hidenda stating we have until 12 Jan 22 to either provide the information or pay £300 cancellation fee or they will issue court proceedings. Hidenda have stated on the claim form that they want it heard at Derby Combined Court Centre - if this goes to court, the inlaws are unable to travel due to their health and so would prefer it to be held at their nearest court - can this be done?
But bottom line, the inlaws are now terrified of fees, ccjs, court etc and i do not know how to help them."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46587529","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"BadMF"},"datePublished":"2022-01-01T13:06:31.000Z","text":"Go see a solicitor rather than a deals website."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/46599426","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"BadMF"},"datePublished":"2022-01-03T06:10:45.000Z","text":"Most solicitors will give a free half hour consultation. Visit a few with different questions to get a broad idea, go from there."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47514015","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"deleted2812173"},"datePublished":"2022-05-26T20:45:22.000Z","text":"
They don't have the money to pay the £300, never mind a solicitor.
Hi there, I wonder if there is an update to this? A family member is in a similar predicament with these chancers."},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47531698","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"paul31"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T13:15:54.000Z","text":"
infoAThidendatax.comshannon.millwardAThidenda.combut all i got back from …infoAThidendatax.comshannon.millwardAThidenda.combut all i got back from them was that the 'fee' of £300 was to paid and 'sorry, nothing we can do'.We then sent a letter saying, \"see you in court\" and got a reply back saying they were not taking it any further.But yes, they are threatening and our inlaws were terrified too - scum, absolute scum.
Seems like a friend of mine is now having the same problem re marriage allowance - I will pass this email address on as she has tried on numerous occasions to contact them either via call or email and no one has got back to her other than sending threatening letters through the post! Glad you got it sorted"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532526","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"paul31"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T15:11:27.000Z","text":"
Yep, got all of that as well. Their letters, whilst consisting of …Yep, got all of that as well. Their letters, whilst consisting of threatening undertones have remained moderately professional, so I will reply with the same just now apart from the spelling of “excellent” at the bottom of their letters
how long has this been going on for you? The first threatening letter my friend received was on Friday last week - apparently she has until the 9th June to send her completed forms back or its £300 she will be billed for - from what I understand, she didnt fully complete the forms online but obviously enough for them to get arsy with her"},{"@type":"Comment","@id":"https://www.hotukdeals.com/comments/permalink/47532878","author":{"@type":"Person","name":"paul31"},"datePublished":"2022-05-30T16:06:47.000Z","text":"
Similar with us. Exact same format. They haven’t got a legal leg to stand o …Similar with us. Exact same format. They haven’t got a legal leg to stand on.
Hope they dont as she suffers from serious anxiety issues over the years and these threats arent helping - I will get involved proactively though I fear as she signed electronically early May, it might be a difficult one - but they now want her to sign the paper documents she received last Friday (which I've told her not to as her NI number was missing) and requiring her to sign again! - Might take some legal advice from those in the know about this kind of thing"}],"commentCount":72,"interactionStatistic":32,"articleSection":"Ask"}