Bargain hunters who bought goods and experiences through deals site Wowcher claim they have been signed up and charged for its annual VIP subscription service they knew nothing about and didn't want. Shoppers have taken to Twitter to complain that Wowcher has added an extra £4.99 to their bill without them realising.
@EsmeKW_ contacted @Wowcher_Support saying: "I just got charged for Wowcher VIP although I never added it into my basket, I’d like a refund." Meanwhile, @1979ballboy said: "Placed an order but got charged VIP subscription that I do not want, I’m still within my 14 days and do not want this, no option to untick so you have scammed me, please respond and resolve ASAP."
Wowcher has told Moneysavingexpert.com (MSE) that users can get a full refund on the fee if they don't want the subscription service, and has confirmed that shoppers are automatically signed up when they place and order on the site. The VIP sign-up box only appears when you add in your contact details, and even then you can only see it if you scroll back up to the top of the page, so you're unlikely to notice the change in price unless you're looking.
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MSE has asked Wowcher to change the design of its check-out pages to avoid further confusion, although Wowcher has pointed out that the VIP service gives people access to better deals and that the yearly subscription doesn't auto renew. The only way to avoid it being added in the first place is to untick a box on it.
Wowcher told MSE that users who've bought its VIP subscription by mistake are entitled to a full refund under its terms and conditions if they don't want to continue their membership. You can complain to Wowcher via its WhatsApp service.
You can also complain through its social media channels - you can find links to these on its contacts page. Wowcher will sometimes try to offer a credit voucher initially, according to MSE, but you don't have to accept that if you want to get a full cash refund.
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