UK store apologises for overcharging customers

Thousands of customers at a UK high street chain could have been charged up to eight times for a single purchase because of a system failure at the store.

Budget homeware chain Wilkinson would not confirm how many customers had been affected by the problem which hit 89 of its 280 stores – which it said was caused by an administrative error.

Although Wilkinson has promised refunds, it could take days before the cash is back in customers’ accounts.

One shopper was charged more than £300 (€447) for a £38 (€56) shopping bill because it was recorded eight times on her bank statement – putting her in the red.

Lorraine Stock, of Arnold, Nottinghamshire, was buying paint from the Wilkinson in Corby to renovate her new home in the Northamptonshire town.

She told the Evening Telegraph newspaper: “I only found out yesterday when I got a text from my bank.

“So many people will have had Direct Debits bounce and will have incurred charges because of the problem.

Her lorry driver husband, Clive, added: “So many people still won’t know they’ve been charged over the odds and if they don’t check their statements regularly they won’t know until their card is refused.”

Wilkinson has already refunded money on affected debit and credit cards, but it could take up to seven days for banks to process refunds.

A store spokesman said: “We experienced an administration problem in 89 our of stores which resulted in the duplication of some credit and debit card transactions on Friday July 20, Saturday July 21 and Sunday July 22.

“Wilkinson would like to apologise to all our customers who have been affected and for the inconvenience that we recognise this has caused. No other transactions in any other stores or on any other days were affected.

“Customers were refunded directly back on to their credit or debit cards as soon as we were made aware of the problem.

“If any customer would like further help or advice they should contact their local Wilkinson store.”