Complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service - Page 4

reallymadwoman · 8th July 2008, 22:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by reallymadwoman

Unusually, the FOS did not acknowledge my latest reply, and it's near enough 4 weeks since I heard from them, so I am sending a 'nudge'.

I'm usually pretty good about diary notes for follow ups, but as the FOS are usually so efficient at a) acknowledging your correspondence and b) sending updates, even if they say 'we're still considering ..', that I nearly missed this one.

If they don't acknowledge something or it's been more than 4 weeks since you heard anything, I would suggest a reminder.

Well I did get an automated acknowledgement to my 'nudge', but nothing else, not even a 'we're really busy'. Odd. They've always been really efficient in the past. Probably waiting for a reply from Blair et al, so maybe I ought to point out that they might have to wait forever.

reallymadwoman · 9th July 2008, 12:55

I got a reply from the Ombudsman timed at 7.06 this morning! They must be earning some serious overtime.

Sparkles100 · 9th July 2008, 14:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by reallymadwoman

I got a reply from the Ombudsman timed at 7.06 this morning! They must be earning some serious overtime.

What did they say???!

reallymadwoman · 9th July 2008, 14:27

Not an awful lot, but it was at least personally written by someone and not an automated response. I expect I'll hear more when I hear more. The last complaint took forever, so I'm not expecting miracles.

I do think it's worth keeping on top of them though. If you haven't had an acknowledgement within 10 days or an update every 4 weeks, chase them up.

reallymadwoman · 22nd July 2008, 13:52

I'm in the process of editing the original posts to take account of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations, 2008, which came in to force on 26th May. I would guess they will only apply to complaints and/or DCA behaviour after that date, but if anyone knows/thinks differently, please share.

Helmetfire · 29th July 2008, 17:28

Thanks for all the great info

...One complaint to FOS about BLS/LloydsTSB is done, two more re. Blair Oliver & Scott in the pipeline.

reallymadwoman · 29th July 2008, 17:35

Oh, good. My favourite people. I'm sure they can't possibly deserve it.

reallymadwoman · 2nd August 2008, 16:37

The initial screening is now done and my latest complaint has gone for allocation, so I guess this is where Blair/Oliver/Scott or Bank of Scotland get charged. It's only taken 4 months to get this far.

Pinky69 · 2nd August 2008, 16:56

I've got one in to the FOS about the Co-op just now - about 4 months and getting the "we are sorry, not yet allocated " letters periodically. I think the Co-op thought I was joking because they gaily passed it on to a DCA and when I told the DCA it was with the FOS, they nearly wet their knickers! Ha! That has shut the Co-op up and I haven't heard a word since. The good news for you reallymadwoman is that the BOS is next on my hit list for the FOS. No agreement and they have broken every rule in the book. Last week I gave then 2 weeks to close the matter (it's been through their internal complaints and I got total bull in reply) or it's another £400 for them- serves them right!

yourbank · 2nd August 2008, 16:59

Its another £450 for them(the price has gone up).

Pinky69 · 2nd August 2008, 17:12

Great - all the better!

reallymadwoman · 2nd August 2008, 22:26

Please, please everyone complain about Blair et al, or any other DCA who hasn't followed the rules. I have been assured that every complaint logged by the FOS and upheld in any way gets passed to the OFT, and if there are enough complaints they will have to do something. And in the meantime every complaint is costing them - what better justice is there?

steven4064 · 3rd August 2008, 19:06

What RMW said.

Our strategy should be to concentrate on the worst offenders in each category. BO&S (BOS) are one of the worst in obeying CC law. Lets get as many complaints in as possible. If they got their consumer credit license revoked or even suspended it would make all the others behave.

It is basically the same strategy I'm advocating on phone harassment. Let's get the CEO and directors of one company before a court on criminial charges under the Protection from Harassment Act and all the other banks, credit card companies and DCAs will stop immmediately. Again the one company should be the worst because that is the easiest case to bring. I suggest Cap1 or MBNA in this case.

reallymadwoman · 3rd August 2008, 23:19

I did wonder if something had been said already to the right people at HBOS because I no longer get any mail from Blair, Oliver and Scott. It's now Bank of Scotland Legal Dept, but still at Blair's address. If I'm honest though it's only been two letters and they never replied to my replies.
However, I must be special because plenty of other people still seem to be getting mail from Blair & Co, and if I'm posting on a thread, I'm telling them all to complain.

hulsim · 24th August 2008, 13:17

Hello RMD

Outstanding stuff. I am about to take a complaint about NatWest and Moorcroft to the FOS and this thread is invaluable!

Cheers

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