I agree that they have scammed me, but I feel a complete fool to have fallen for this. The recording of my initial conversation with them would make me squirm. So patient, so understanding and helpful until they had my card details. Then another operator apologised that they had a systems error and basically said goodbye. This maybe was their only lie to me. The rest was clever speak and wording which I fell for. I appreciate they have had my money in their account for several weeks but am genuinely suprised to have got anything back without a real fight. I did pursue a claim in the small claims last year against a million pound company who owed me several thousands of pounds. I entered a claim for several single invoices worth around £1000 each and got my money very easily. However I lost business afterwards and have such become very dubious about pursuing some items through the courts. I wish you well with yours mate and remain embarrased that I fell for this rubbish ploy.

Hard to believe really, but I received a cheque today for £64.50, £5 less than my original payment. I understand this is their admin cost. I tried several times to get through on various phone numbers but gave up after waiting for ages. So, without actually getting to talk to them I have received my refund without too much hassle, all be a week or so late. Of course the cheque may bounce but I am not expecting it to. My lesson learned is NOT to pay broker fees for doing something that I could probably do myself. Good luck to those of you pursuing your cases further.

Yes loans are a disaster and I would avoid them at all costs. I made the mistake of conatcting them for a £2k unsecured loan 5 weeks ago. I have a 5 year old default on my file so I knew i would have no joy with my own bank or others on the high street. The initial conversation with them was straightforward enough and I was quoted a favourable repayment amount over 24 months. Then the bull**** started and I fell for it. I was asked to provide my debit card details with the promise of a telephone offer the next morning. My card was debited £69.99 and I am still waiting for the call or any correspondence. I cancelled my "agreement" with them in writing 2 days later and am still waiting for my refund, which I believe they must pay within 31 days. That is tomorrow, so I will wait with patience.

Hope it all works out for you. I am sure it was a big step. Im in for 20 years and its beginning to really hurt. Maybe I will go the same way before I go totally cuckoo. See ya

Hi, I appear to be in exactly the same boat. My default was over 2 and half years ago. Since then I have repaid all arrears and am now infact in credit with my mortgage (Preffered Mortgages -now Capstone). I feel that an 8 on my Experian file does not portry the correct information to those who may search my file. It appears that I am not making any payments at all. I understand that lenders will not be at all interested in helping me at all. I would like to remortgage for a better deal (currently LIBBOR +4%) ugh, and also transfer £900 balance on c/c to 0% deal. I have no chance with the "8" on my file. I have spoken and written to Capstone who will not change the entry. Any suggestions? Can I place a notice on the entry to explain what the "8" implies now. I find it difficult to understand that if my circumstances changed now and I was unable to pay my mortgage, the entry in my file could not get any worse than it is now, when I am infact paying more than the minimum amount. I have continued to pay the monthly amount due before the interest rate dropped. Thanks a lot.

Hi, I would be grateful of pm with details also. Currently in discounted deal with Capstone which goes to LIBBOR in a couple of months which will be hectic. Thanks very much..

Hi,I have a slightly similar issue, but with Capstone Mortgage services. I changed jobs in 2006, from weekly paid salary to monthly and subsequently defaulted. I was ordered to pay £259 monthly (£65 of which was arrears) for 12 months. I did this and continue to pay the correct amount and on time. I would now like to replace a 30 year old kitchen and bathroom. My salary has almost doubled since my initial successful application over 2 years ago. I have made one application for a loan and been refused. I have checked with Experian and note that Capstone lists my account as "8". Is this the correct indication? I have no arrears and am up to date with payments. Thanks

Hi all, I have just joined your gang and am looking forward to getting involved wherever I can. I have been on a Ford Mondeo(no jokes please;) ) forum for a while and found it very helpful and am sure you guys will be the same. The set up is vey similar. I have read through your bank charges faqs and guidance and reckon its time i started my own action. I also need to get a will sorted. Not that I am planning going ina hurry though! Have a grand day.

Hello everyone, Just like englishviking I have now started to investigate the possibility of pursuing a case. I shudder to think how much I have paid in charges. I am continuing to read the guidance and expect to make a start as soon as possible. I bank in Northern Ireland. Are there any oddities about that or are the procedures the same as posted? Thanks.