123-reg vs. InterServer 2020

coupon code INTSERV during purchase

eference to recurring annual payments. Nothing was brought to my attention prior to purchase but generally I have found companies who take recurring payments, especially where a substantial increase is involved, have notified me in advance by email/text prior to any funds being taken.
The domain name I purchased was never activated or associated with a web site and remained dormant for the entire year. Two days before the year was up, without any notice, 123 helped themselves to another £28.78, an increase of over 475%! I cancelled the account on the same day and asked for a refund by email. I received an email from a company called Nominet stating the domain had been cancelled, as had the Identity Protection associated with it. I also received a brief email from someone named Christian at 123 telling me that before I could be given a refund I had to log in and switch off the Identity Protection, once I had done this I should get back to them.
Surprise, it seems as the account was cancelled I cannot do this. I have sent several emails back but not had a reply. I have spoken to someone in a call centre, in a galaxy far away, who could not help beyond their screen script and told me I would have to complete a form and submit additional personal details to obtain a new password before a refund could be considered. I asked for a supervisor or decision maker to call me back. Nothing, no calls, no emails, only silence. I have been completely stone walled by 123. Strange, they took my money with the click of a mouse but it’s a major hoop jumping exercise to try and retrieve it, especially when no-one gets back. They still have my money and I doubt there’s much prospect of me ever seeing it again.

osting, stay away from interserver.