The information commissioner is seeking answers from a company that has reactivated its former customers' old direct debits without their permission. The problems have affected some customers who bought computers and took out a care package with Burnley-based Totalcaresupport.com. They noticed small amounts had been disappearing from their accounts when they checked their bank statements. The company has apologised saying most customers have now been refunded. Stewart, from East Yorkshire, took a contract out for £7.99 a month to support a Tiny computer he bought in 2006.

'I was staggered'

He then decided he did not require it, so the same year he informed the firm and cancelled his direct debit payment with his bank, Halifax. Stewart rarely uses his Halifax account so does not frequently check his statements. When he did earlier this month, he got a surprise. He told Radio 4's Money Box programme: "I'd spotted a direct debit for £2.99 and it had been established back in August of last year. It turned out to be the same company that I had computer insurance with."....Read more here