Is Skype Auto Recharge setting illegal?
Sunday, July 12, 2009
View Comments
I am a regular skype user and found that its auto-recharge feature is annoying. Recently I found out that I am not the only one with this problem. Consider for example, this, this, this and this.
Auto recharge is of course a feature that can help many users. It can however, be illegal if it is entered into without the full informed consent of the consumer.
There is a part of the purchase page where we are supposed to tick the auto-recharge box. If this box is automatically ticked by skype, I think it will give a reason for either unconscionability challenge that may entitle consumer for liquidated damages or simply a violation of consumer protection laws.
Now, to answer the question of fact: Do you experience that skype auto recharge setting is 'by default'? Let me know your answer.
Auto recharge is of course a feature that can help many users. It can however, be illegal if it is entered into without the full informed consent of the consumer.
There is a part of the purchase page where we are supposed to tick the auto-recharge box. If this box is automatically ticked by skype, I think it will give a reason for either unconscionability challenge that may entitle consumer for liquidated damages or simply a violation of consumer protection laws.
Now, to answer the question of fact: Do you experience that skype auto recharge setting is 'by default'? Let me know your answer.
Hello,
you are right. When charging Skype manually by clicking the 'buy credit' button. The autorecharge checkbox is set to true by default.
Even going into your account information page and unchecking the autorecharge has only a temporary impact as at the next charge Skype will try to set autorecharge back to on.
Needless to say am quite upset at this too.
Thanks. I think there should be a move on this. I'll check with my friends at Consumer's International
I have had persistent problems with this feature i.e removed it more than once and seen it re-activate automatically after I make a manual re-charge. I'm no lawyer, but I think it is bad business practice.
I've just receive an email from Skype to say I'd signed up to Auto Recharge when I hadn't and immediately was hit with a £11.50 bill. Just got a refund from Skype
I am first time Skype user and due to above default settings I lost almost around $30 due to auto-recharge. After 2 months when I saw my credit card statement, I realized this and cancelled the auto recharge. But as someone says, if I again do it manually, it will select recharge by default hence I think either it is a bad business practice or too smart. Well whatever it is, it is not a good experience for me.