On Isles FM’s Behind The Headlines programme on Friday afternoon, we heard how many people are being unknowingly signed up into a loyalty scheme when they buy Flybe tickets online.

A scheme called RewardsFirst, which is run by Great British Discounts but actively promoted by Flybe, results in £14.95 being siphoned out of people’s bank accounts each month.

A common feature is passengers discovering they are signed up without their knowledge – even when they never give GBD their bank details. So how are they getting them?

Flybe strenuously denied to me on Friday that it is handing over passengers’ bank details to this dodgy organisation but it is obvious there is a pattern emerging. I am waiting for Flybe to explain why there are so many complaints around the country alleging that it is doing exactly that. Questions have been asked in the House of Commons but Flybe is still claiming to acting honestly and openly.

Ferry companies and some shops are also in the RewardsFirst scheme but none of them operate in the Western Isles.

Paul Flynn MP began investigating the Flybe-implicated rip-offs around two years ago. He asked Flybe to pull out of the RewardsFirst scheme. They did not, but complaints did die off. Now the dodgy scheme seems to be on the go again – thanks to active promotion by Flybe.

Paul Flynn said: “It may be legal but it works like a scam.”

It may be legal because of the small print which may allow Flybe to pass certain details to business partners if certain boxes are ticked for the offer of a free ‘no-obligation’ month in the discount scheme as customers buy tickets. However, Flybe still maintains it does not pass over such details but will not explain why so many Flybe customers are affected or why Flybe has allowed itself to be named in the House of Commons as a company helping people to be ripped off.

When Captain Morris Macleod of Stornoway discovered he was losing £14.95 a month without his knowledge, he went to his bank to get the payments cancelled. At the bank he learned that a member of staff there was also a victim and found herself in the scheme – also without her knowledge.

GBD is insisting to me that no one is signed up without knowing what they are getting in to. However, it has not replied to my request for the numbers of complaints.

Flybe has a privileged place in this community. It is the main airbridge to the mainland from the Western Isles. Maybe it should tackle complaints more effectively.

Paul Flynn MP knows of many victims throughout the country. There may be more local victims here. Get your bank statement and look for a monthly direct debit of £14.95. If you find one, tell your local trading standards department.

I would also like to hear from you and I will make sure Flybe knows how you feel.