I was interested to see what others had written, as this company approached us last year and we signed up with them, but decided to cancel our arrangement. This was done within the initial one month period (as stated in their terms) and thus sufficient notice was given to cease their 'services' immediately.
They then took a further payment from us, citing the fact we had not cancelled 'in accordance with their terms.' We had (as their terms) cancelled in writing (by e-mail, such was then printed off and posted). They do not acknowledge receipt by post however. I maintain that the e-mail, being a written missive, which they responded to and made comment upon, was an acknowledgement of receipt of our wish to cancel and they were of course, at liberty to forward such on to another 'department' within their company. Given that they do mostly all of their trade via the telephone and e-mails, it seems peculiar that they have chosen not to accept an e-mail, as a 'written' confirmation of our intent.
There have been a succession of unpleasant e-mails re. the above matter, but I expect that upon discovery of the fact that we had stopped them taking further sums from us illegally, they have in summary, threatened to now pass the collection of our 'arrears' to a debt collection agency and also to commence (as you have stated above) 'a negative publicity campaign.' They are an altogether unpleasant crowd and seem to run a rather shoddy and unprofessional set-up, judged from the tone of their communications (including appalling spelling and grammar). It is also difficult for one to hear them properly when they call you, such is the quality of their telephone system and every time I have tried to transfer one of their calls to another party, we are cut off.
When you continue to stand your ground with them and state that you do not wish to pay them any further sums and that you have sent them written notice, they start to send threatening e-mails stating that they are going to launch a 'negative campaign against you, ' whereby anyone responding to a search link, will be informed that you "are bad payers, etc." We contacted Google, who were aware of them and they also said that they would prevent such happening however. It is probably just bluff but it still bothersome nevertheless.
They also threaten you with legal actions and debt collectors, etc. It may be useful for anyone experiencing the same, to remind them that they are thieves and harassers and perhaps they may be prosecuted as a result.
It would be of interest to hear from anyone else who has had experience of them though and to hear how similar situations were resolved.
Many thanks