Two Manchester-based technology companies have been shut down by the High Court following claims of a direct debit scam. Affinity Technology Solutions Limited and RCSR Tech Limited, both of which declared their aim to protect individuals online and enhance their social media profiles, were wound up in Manchester on Tuesday, March 18th.
Affinity purported to provide a service known as IDSafeGuard, which they claimed protected customers’ online identities. RCSR purported to offer ReportCurve, a service that they asserted would boost a person’s online and social media presence. Numerous individuals reported unauthorized monthly subscription fees of approximately £29.99 being withdrawn from their bank accounts for services they had not subscribed to. Further complaints were filed because the companies allegedly refused to cancel the unwanted subscriptions or offer refunds.
“Numerous complaints were made that Affinity and RCSR were tricking consumers into monthly subscriptions for products they did not want or were entirely unaware of,” stated David Usher, chief investigator at the Insolvency Service. “In fact, our investigation has not revealed evidence that either company provided its unsuspecting customers with any of the services they purported to offer. Both Affinity and RCSR failed to cooperate with our enquiries, leading us to take decisive action to cease the companies’ future operations and safeguard the public from further financial damage.”
The two companies were established within a two-day period in February 2020 and shared the same registered office in South Manchester. Companies House listed both as entities involved in business and domestic software development. Additionally, both companies failed to file required accounts with Companies House. Investigators reportedly contacted the official directors of both companies, as well as the individual believed to be in effective control. All parties failed to cooperate with the investigation. The Official Receiver has been appointed as liquidator for both firms.
