Netflix billing error sees Aussie customers charged multiple times

SEVERAL Australian Netflix customers are reporting that they have been charged multiple times for their most recent month of service.

(FILES) This April 13, 2011 file photo shows the Netflix company logo at Netflix headquarters in Los Gatos, California. Netflix shares surged May 15, 2015 after news reports that the streaming television giant was in talks to begin operations in China. In midday trade, Netflix shares were up 4.7 percent at $614.31, which translates to a market value in excess of $35 billion. The Wall Street Journal reported that Netflix was in the early stages of talks with the Chinese government to bring its on-demand service to the Asian giant. AFP PHOTO / RYAN ANSON / FILES

A SIGNIFICANT number of Netflix customers have complained on social media over that they have been charged multiple times by the US streaming service for their subscription.

One customer said he had been charged so many times that his bank account ran out of funds while other customers reported that the deductions were still pending in their bank account resulting in the funds not being available.

Several university students were particularly upset by the situation, claiming they had little or no money left.

One customer wrote about their experience with Netflix’s helpline on tech forum Whirlpool.

“I just got charged 8 times for Netflix . Im so angry, called up and spoke to a lady who said ‘no sir Netflix do not charge more than once per month’ and gave me the only option to “cancel your account”. called ANZ they told me that theres definitely 8 transactions made by Netflix and I need them to send a fax to reverse the said disputed charges,” she wrote.

#Netflix currently having billing issues, they trying to charge me $11.99/month subscription 11 times @TenNewsSydney pic.twitter.com/kS7E6W5sVX

— David (@Dave2307) May 24, 2015

Netflix released a statement to news.com.au which read: “We are aware a small percentage of Australian and New Zealand members experienced multiple credit card authorisations for monthly billing.

“The issue has been resolved.

“While no extra money was withdrawn from users’ accounts, it may take several days for the authorisations to drop from users’ bank accounts. Members may contact Netflix customer service if they have additional issues. We regret any inconvenience related to the problem.”

A lack of communication from the streaming service was also causing many customers concern. Some only received a response from the streaming service when they questioned them on social media.

@Cymelion Hi there, all additional charges will be refunded in full. Apologies for the inconvenience.

— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) May 25, 2015

@bernardino_luca Hi Luca, all additional charges will be refunded in full. Apologies for the inconvenience.

— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) May 25, 2015

@Dave2307 Hi David, all additional charges will be refunded in full. Apologies for the inconvenience.

— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) May 25, 2015

@BrandonRapps1 Hi Brandon, you'll only be charged once this month with other charges completely refunded. Apologies for the inconvenience.

— Netflix ANZ (@NetflixANZ) May 25, 2015

The most news.com.au has seen someone charged so far is 16 times, which if the customer was using the service’s top tier of $14.99 a month would have resulted in charges of $239.84.

It appears that at this stage the extra charges aren’t affecting those who signed up to US accounts before the service officially launched in Australia.

At the time of writing, customers affected still don’t have access to their money.