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.
Just to say, I've been browsing these pages for the past few months now and I'm just about to begin trying to claw back all the money the Bank of Scotland have lifted from my account over the years...
I'm just off the phone to Bank of Scotland's phonebank, and I've requested my statements going back to when the account was originally opened (mid-2001). The charge for this was £5 for all of them. I just wanted to let others know, that this may probably be an easier process than attempting the slightly more costly and time-consuming method of a data protection act request.
I was told on the phone that the last few years statements should be with me within the next few days, while statements for earlier years may take 7-10 days to arrive as they need to be accessed from archive.
Once they arrive, I'll start going through them with a highligher pen and make that claim and let others on the forum know how I get on...
...off the top of my head, I'm probably looking at somewhere just under the £1000 mark, although it may be more. In the past few months, I got overdrawn once by around £70, and never managed to really get on top of this until I started a new job. That £70 has cost me around £500 in various charges.
Similar amounts have left my account every month since February...
I'll keep the forums up to date on any successes!
Also, would there be any chance that the forums could be separated in a better way- there seems to be confusion between Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Scotland. Bank of Scotland would probably be better placed with the Halifax- it has no connection with RBS whatsoever (other than them both being 'Scottish' banks!) PS This isn't meant as a gripe against the forum- it's bloody brilliant!
So, I've just realised it's one hell of a lot more than I thought...
£2,469.54
I'm truly shocked.
I'm based in Scotland, so it looks like I'd better use an English court to do the legal stuff- I've a friend based in Manchester, and she's happy to use her address.
That's enough cash for me to pay off an Egg loan I have and clear half the balance on a credit card.
I'm also about to set off getting around £100-150 back from Sainsbury's bank credit card and perhaps some dosh from egg too...
Thanks again for this website- I'll post my progress here.
So, I totalled all of it up and sent my 1st letter off to Bank of Scotland, The Mound, Edinburgh. The 2 week deadline is up in 2 days time, and I've just come home to a reply from the bank. It was postmarked PO Box 148, Glasgow. It says:
"Thank you for your recent letter. I was sorry to learn that you are unhappy with the service provided by the Bank of Scotland.
We are keen to deal with your concerns and are currently investigating your complaint regarding the charges debited to your account. You will receive our full response shortly.
You will find enclosed a copy of our leaflet, which tells you how we handle your complaint. Your concerns will be dealt with as quickly as possible, but if you need to speak to us in the meantime, please telephone us on 01422 333465, quoting the above reference.
Your Sincerely
Sarah Bradley
Customer Services"
My letter to them gave them one month to respond. Should I now send a second letter and stick to my 28 day deadline before action, or await their response and then set a new deadline?
Just take them to court using the moneyclaim website!
I wouldn't mess about with their customer complaints dept. They are just trying to delay and fob you off. Send them a letter before action (LBA) if you haven't already and follow this up with the court action. This will set the timesacles for your claim as they have to respond within 14 days etc. You will probably get the same standard letters from them and then their Solicitors after the court action has started. Accept any lower offers only as part settlement and wait until they offer you the full amount. They do not want to go to court! Look at some of the other **settled in full** threads in the Royal Bank of Scotland forum on this site.
I would send the letters recorded delivery so they can't say they haven't received them. I've had endless messing around with this so far - including a letter saying they haven't received a special delivery letter two weeks after I sent it.
Will be following your thread closely!! I am currently awaiting the complete info request from BOS and will be claiming through the English courts as well, as like you, I have friends in England whose address I can use.
Darren
BOS - WON - £5.6k
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Virgin Mastercard - WON - £300
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Barclaycard - WON - £200
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Lloyds - WON - £1.6k