Written by John Kruse, one of the leading experts on Bailiff Law, this consumer friendly guide is essential reading for anyone who comes into contact with a bailiff.
The book is easy to understand and clearly explains the rights
a bailiff has, and also what they cannot do when collecting debts and repossessing goods etc.
Im in the process of claiming against A&L for the last month.
Long story short, I was approx £5-8 short on a direct debit that bounced. They charged me a £34 fee for this. (I actually put money in the bank the day it bounced to try and rescue the situation). Then to add insult to injury they wacked me with a £20 over limit fee (although at no time was I over because they DD bounced!!!)
Anyhow. Sent first initial letter asking for charges back, the reply I got back wasn't what I expected. It basically stated that as far as they are concerned the charges stand because the information commisioners report into bank charges refered specifically to credit cards.
Now I know they are pulling a fast one and the charges are still excessive (obscene in my opinion) but do I just send the standard lba without refering to their letter or do I address the fact and come back with a reply to their letter (basically you thievin barstewards give me my money back!)
In previous situations like this I've often called them up via the telephone banking number and get put through to a customer advisor.
They will often give you back the money as it's easier for them to do that than argue with you. It really depends who you speak to and how much they care for their job.
When i've been nice and polite to them and explained it's a simple mistake I have often got the money back.
You may want to try that. Just explain you made a mistake and then put money into your account on that day to rectify the situation. If they see this they may give you the money back and explain you need to put money in earlier next time.
I've done this a few times with success, unfortuantely I keep doing it!
Could be worth a try first before going down this lengthy route
Gooday - just a quickie to state I am in the same situation for a couple of hours in the red
I have literally just started, and ealier today 19 July received the same BS letter about CCs to put me off.
I first complained and requested refund of un-necessary charges - two failed direct debits, £59 - in 2003
Accordingly I have their refusal from back then, but moreover an email stating that debits are made in real time before credits - this would therefore bounce things
I reckon I should respond in writing hinting that the Judge would be very interested in this
I see that A&L are blanket-refusing, and sticking up 2 even BIGGER fingers - do ya think that bloke who appears on the telly knows this?
I'll try messaging BBC Look North (Hull, Yorkshire televison)
Hi
I first complained about penalty charges in 2003 when Mrs Bigmark became so ill £1739.50
This is letter I recieved
Dear Mr & Mrs ......
I have been able to have a look at the charges raised on the account .
Regrettably these charges have been raised due to transactions being presented on the account rather than charges due to overdrawing . As dealing with such transaction is very expensive for the bank we raise these charges to defray this expence. In the cicumstances I am unable to refund these charges as they were all raised correctly
I appreciate this situation may be the cause of disappointment and I am sorry I can offer no further assistance with regards to this matter
Not a defence but not what I expected...
that bounced. They charged me a £34 fee for this. (I actually put money in the bank the day it bounced to try and rescue the situation). Then to add insult to injury they wacked me with a £20 over limit fee (although at no time was I over because they DD bounced!!!)
)
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