Have you ever received some goods or a service that wasn’t quite what it cracked up to be? Perhaps the items turned out to be poor-quality imitations, or an unauthorised subscription was set up in your name, or the item failed to arrive. It’s essential to know that your bank may be able to help you recover your money when this happens.  Lloyds Bank sounded the alarm this week about a card payment protection service that can help, and many are unaware it exists. 

When purchases are made using a debit or credit card, if the item doesn’t arrive or isn’t as described, a “chargeback” claim can be considered by your bank. This protection can help shoppers recoup their money when something goes wrong.

The alert comes amid a surge in dodgy websites and fake online shops luring people in with in-demand festive favourites. Right now, hot products include the peculiar “Labubu” dolls, Jellycat toys and high-end advent calendars. 

Many of the fraudulent websites appear on social media in ads that encourage shoppers to buy quickly before “deals” expire.

Sharing its latest data, Lloyds Bank said customers have reclaimed approximately £2million using the chargeback service between January and September. The average transaction was £35. With Black Friday sales approaching and online scams on the rise, the need to take note of this protection has become even more crucial. 

There are a few steps you can take if you find yourself needing to make a chargeback claim. 

First, try to resolve the problem directly with the seller. If the seller is unresponsive or refuses to cooperate, the next step is to contact your bank.

However, there are some time restrictions. The claim must be made within 120 days of either the transaction date or the delivery date, if one is specified.

If the purchase was made on a Visa card, a claim can be started after 15 days. If it’s a Mastercard, the minimum is 30 days after the transaction date. The bank can then request the money back from the seller’s bank.

It must be noted, banks can only request the return of funds after a customer has raised a chargeback, so if you’ve fallen victim to one of these dodgy websites, please do get in contact with your bank.

Don’t let rogue sellers spoil the festivities this year – there is usually help available when something goes wrong.

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DEAL OF THE WEEK

Octopus Energy customers with a smart meter can get one free hot drink per week at Cafe Nero or Greggs. Sign up to Octoplus Rewards for free via the energy giant’s app or website to secure the deal.

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Supermarkets are offering a raft of discounts to new online shoppers, which could knock a value sum off at the checkout. With Christmas just around the corner and many preparing for the festive food shop, it couldn’t come at a better time.

First-time Ocado customers can enjoy a handy 25% discount on their first shop, with a minimum spend of £60. To redeem the offer, which can be used on “fresh produce, food cupboard, bakery, frozen, soft drinks, tea and coffee, toiletries and finger food” items, enter the code “VOU731187” at the checkout. While the headline offer states a 25% discount, the online retailer says the maximum discount available is £20. 

So if you spend £100, you’ll receive the maximum £20 discount. 

Savvy customers using the code can also benefit from free delivery for three months as part of a free Smart Pass trial. Ocado will contact you before the trial ends to determine if you wish to proceed with a full Smart Pass membership. But if you don’t respond, the trial will automatically end, so you won’t be charged. 

Budget retailer Lidl is offering 10% off to new and existing customers of its Lidl Plus app when they spend £250 in one month. 

Similar to Ocado, the maximum discount available is £20, and customers in England, Scotland and Wales qualify for it. Lidl Plus is also available in Northern Ireland, but typically offers different perks.

Shoppers who spend a smaller amount at the bargain supermarket can still benefit from rewards. Spend a minimum of £10 in one month to claim a free in-store bakery item. Visit the ‘coupons’ section on the app for extra offers, such as 20% off at the in-store bakery from Monday to Sunday after 7pm, and different item-specific discounts become available every Thursday. 

Moving on, Iceland shoppers can get a fiver off their first-time orders of £45 or more. Simply enter the code ‘ICEFIVEOFF’ at checkout to snap up the deal. 

Over 60s can benefit from even more savings with the frozen food giant every Tuesday, when they’re offered 10% off their entire shop. Just prove your age at the checkout with a valid ID to qualify.