Cliche tale about to be unfold here guys.... but my work colleague got absolutely slaughtered on drinks last night and he's just checked his bank balance which to his horror says he spent just short of £1500 on private dances at the gentlemen's club!!! This is completely out of character for him, he just got so wasted :D

He says he doesn't remember them being that much and says he didn't see the extra zeros in the darkness! He feels these are exploitative amounts and the place ripped him off / coerced him / took advantage of his "diminished capacity" etc. i have to agree here since I've been to this place before and they are shady/have a reputation. I think he was grossly exploited in his vulnerable position and obviously didn't have the cognitive ability to make wise decisions.

However he's so embarrassed (hence why I'm posting this on his behalf) and isn't sure whether to call his bank or call the merchant as a next step. I don't know if he has a leg to stand on as he says they got his signature (although without being shown the terms mind) plus paid by chip and pin and remembers the bouncer asking him if he wanted to go ahead. I guess all of this is on their CCTV too.

Guys what are his options? Anybody been in similar situations and manage to get any money back? What approaches did you use?

Can he dispute or cancel these transactions? Or will the merchant cone back and issue a court order? Do you advise he calls the merchant and claim any of this stuff to see if they will reimburse?

Can he also file a claim with the financial ombudsman service?

Also minor thing but says he definitely wasn't made aware of the extra surcharges, can this be grounds for a dispute?

Please NO teasing guys - he really needs his money back or as much as possible ! This is a life lesson for him and he knows he's in the wrong. He really can't have this turn into a big thing (wife/kids) and just wants it to go away quietly, plus needs the money for bills/school.