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.
Whilst away on holiday I took out some Euros from a local cash machine. I selected my withdraw from the savings account section on screen and went about my holiday. When I got back to the UK I was outraged to find that First Direct have charged me £80, - £30 overdraft fee plus a further £50 Excess Overdraft Fee (2 x £25 per day charges). Basically it turns out that because I was abroad the money I withdrew did not actually come out of my savings account but my main account which of course pushed me over my overdraft. Its also worth noting that I did not receive any letter informing me I had gone over my overdraft and the there was no warning on screen that I was about to withdraw more money than I actually had. According to First Direct this is all perfectly legal.
After browsing money saving expert and this forum I'm obviously thinking about challenging Firstr Direct and their outrageous charges but before I do I'd like to ask some questions:
1. If I decide to proceed by sending the 'Preliminary approach for repayment' letter will they come up with some excuse that because I was abroad I am not protected by the UK law? Legally can I still ask for my money back if the withdraw was abroad?
2. I am a relatively new customer of First Direct, if I do proceed to claim my charges back can I only do it just once or is there no limit to how many time you can claim?
They charged you in sterling on an English account held in England - therefore, they are bound by English law.
To ask if there is a limit on the amount of times you can claim indicates that you haven't quite grasped the concept yet (I mean this in a nice way).
If a person murders another, spends 10 years inside (or more likely about 6 months these days), then comes out and murders another person, they can be prosecuted again.
If the bank, after having given you back your money once, continue to break the law, then they can be held accountable again.
The will get shirty about it - I have a feeling that FD are going to be the next bank to close accounts of those standing up for their civil rights.
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Advice & opinions of Dave, The Bank Action Group and The Consumer Action Group are offered informally, without prejudice & without liability.
Use your own judgment. Seek advice of a qualified insured professional if you have any doubts.
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I have only been with FD for about 6 months and i've found them to be really rude regarding these charges. To be honest i'd rather close the account and bank with someone else if they get shirty. I have another account with Alliance & Leicester who I have banked with for years, has there been much success rate in obtaining charges back with them? Maybe I should try to get my money back from them first.
First Direct charges made whilst on holiday?
I took out some Euros from a local cash machine. I selected my withdraw from the savings account section on screen and went about my holiday. When I got back to the UK I was outraged to find that First Direct have charged me £80, - £30 overdraft
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