Problem with ARMS solved

I refer to Francis Saliba’s letter of July 13.

ARMS Ltd continuously promotes its direct debit service with its customers since this offers them the easiest, quickest and safest way of paying one’s bills. A residential customer who opts for a direct debit arrangement also benefits from a two per cent discount on each bill paid (or a minimum of €3).

The service requires that a customer submits a signed application form downloadable from www.smartutilities.com.mt and a copy of their ID card.

These can be sent by post, or as scanned copies to customercare@arms.com.mt.

All necessary checks, both internally as well as with the banks, are carried out prior to setting up the service. The service is free. In addition, a customer is free to terminate this service at no cost.

We have carried out a thorough investigation into Mr Saliba’s claim, i.e. that we withdrew funds from his bank account without permission. We can ascertain this is not true and that we have a signed application form from Mr Saliba giving us permission to do so.

We have contacted him to explain the situation and provided him with the option to terminate this agreement. In addition we have also explained to Mr Saliba that any customer on a direct debit agreement has the right to contact us on 8007 2222 within 15 days of the bill invoice date and cancel the transfer of funds for a particular bill.