Money Box Unauthorised Recurring Card Payments and Overpaying Mortgages
Nov 15, 2025
Dan Whitworth, a BBC reporter, leads the discussion on the alarming rise of unauthorised recurring card payments that catch consumers off guard. Catherine Hart from the Chartered Trading Standards Institute explains why this practice is deemed outrageous and how to reclaim lost funds. Trusha Hirani, a solicitor, emphasizes the critical need for professionally drafted wills and the risks of dying intestate. Craig Calder from TSB reveals that two-thirds of first-time buyers are overpaying their mortgages and shares strategies to balance overpayments with budgeting.
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Small Payments, Big Losses
- Unauthorised recurring card payments are typically small (£10–£30) so they often go unnoticed for long periods.
- Small amounts can accumulate into significant losses if consumers do not regularly check statements.
A Decade Of Unnoticed Charges
- John Savage discovered a small, unrecognised monthly card payment that had been taken for nearly 10 years totaling about £1,776.
- He complained to his bank and the company and eventually received a full refund after more than a month of correspondence.
Act Quickly To Stop Recurring Charges
- If you see an unfamiliar card payment, contact your bank immediately to stop future payments and request refunds.
- Also complain to the company involved and demand previous payments be returned.