Adele McCarthy, a consumer advocate for The Sun, has successfully recovered over £500,000 for readers facing issues with companies. Her experience highlights common consumer grievances, including problems with services like broken smart meters and travel disruptions. McCarthy’s insights offer practical guidance for those looking to reclaim their money from unresponsive businesses.
Leave a Paper Trail
When making a complaint, maintaining a detailed record is crucial. McCarthy advises consumers to document every interaction with companies, including the names of representatives, dates, and any agreed-upon actions. This information can be invaluable for follow-ups. For instance, one reader, Denise Snell, successfully reclaimed £62.75 from Etihad Airways for a missed extra legroom seat, thanks to her thorough documentation.
Understanding Purchase Sources
In today’s digital marketplace, many consumers buy products through social media platforms like TikTok and Facebook. McCarthy warns that not all businesses operating under UK domain names are based locally; some may be overseas, complicating returns and refunds. Consumers should always review a company’s returns policy before making a purchase. If a product does not meet expectations and was bought with a credit card, consumers can invoke Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act, which provides protection for purchases over £100.
Time is also a factor when seeking refunds. A case involving reader Lynn Hockday demonstrates that, even after two years, it is possible to reclaim funds. After being fined nearly £200 for a train error, Hockday received a refund of £197.80 from LNER and an additional £75 as a goodwill gesture.
Act Promptly for Refunds
McCarthy emphasizes that acting quickly is essential for obtaining refunds. Consumers should initiate chargeback requests with their banks promptly after noticing issues with transactions. The chargeback process must usually commence within 120 days of the transaction. This method can be used for various problems, including undelivered items or faulty goods.
Insurance policies also require careful scrutiny. Many consumers mistakenly believe that their insurance covers all emergencies. McCarthy suggests reviewing policy terms, as coverage can vary significantly. Understanding the excess amount, which is the portion policyholders must pay towards a claim, is also important.
For those needing further assistance, McCarthy remains available for consultation. Readers can reach her via email at [email protected] or write to Sun Money, News UK, 1 London Bridge Street, London, SE1 9GF.
Meter Reading Deadline Approaches
In a related matter, households without smart meters have a critical deadline approaching. As of January 1, 2026, more than seven million homes must submit a meter reading to avoid inaccurate energy bills. If missed, energy suppliers will estimate usage, potentially resulting in overcharges. According to comparison site USwitch, families should take meter readings during the festive season to ensure correct billing when the new price cap, set to rise to £1,758 annually, takes effect.
Ben Gallizzi, an energy expert at USwitch, encourages households to be proactive. “Submitting readings by January 1 ensures suppliers have accurate data,” he stated. He also suggests that consumers consider switching to fixed energy tariffs that may be cheaper than the forthcoming price cap.
Online Shopping Discounts
Shoppers are finding innovative ways to save money online. Some retailers offer discounts for items left in shopping baskets, known as the “abandoned basket” strategy. By adding items to a cart and then leaving the site, consumers may receive discount codes via email, often within 48 hours. Retailers such as Argos, Currys, and Morrisons are among those reported to engage in this practice.
One shopper recounted successfully receiving a 20 percent discount on a wedding dress after employing this tactic. Others have reported similar discounts from various retailers, demonstrating how consumers can leverage online shopping behaviors to maximize savings.
McCarthy’s efforts and insights shed light on the consumer landscape, providing valuable strategies for those seeking to reclaim their hard-earned money. As she continues to advocate for consumers, her guidance serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance in financial matters.
