I'm not an expert but I'm guessing they just won't bother turning up and hope that you don't either so that the case gets chucked out. If you attend the Judge should award in your favour.

Hi all, For everyone out there thinking of going after Abbey for charges do it !!! And for all those thinking of giving up because of Abbey / DLA PIPER (their solicitor) scare tactics don't do it !!! You will get there in the end. Here is my record of my (very) long battle with ABBEY: 14 April sent initial letter asking for repayment 22 April received letter saying how upset they were that I felt the need to complain ! 27 April received the same letter twice telling me that my concerns were being investigated 28 April sent 14 day letter before action 01 May received letter with the usual blether about how the charges are not unfair etc etc. 17 May raised claim in County Court via Moneyclaim 20 May received notification of issue of claim from Northampton C.C. 03 June received acknowledgement of service letter from Northampton C.C. 03 June received letter from DLA PIPER to say they were preparing a defence so for a bit of entertainment I called them to ask what they intended to defend ! The poor trainee Solicitor could not answer ! 20 June received copy of defence from DLA Piper 20 June received notification a defence had been filed from Northampton C.C. & claim had been transferred to Newcastle C.C. 05 July Allocation questionnaire sent (I nearly forgot, deadline was next day) 09 August (why so long ?) received notice of allocation to the small claims track ?!?!? Was very confused at this point but the letter told me that basically the Deputy Judge had had a look at the case and allocated it to small claims on 13 October. 26 September, precisely 23 weeks and 4 days since I began the claim I received a letter from DLA PIPER to say on this occasion they would pay up !. They paid everything including interest and court fees and they even added on £3.09 for extra interest had it gone to court, how nice of them. Evening of 26 September, went to local pub...... the Northumbrian PIPER and had a few pints on ABBEY. CHEERS ! Keep going you will get there in the end. Tedwardo

When I get a chance I'll put up seperate threads, I have a flag business so you can imagine things are rather hectic at the moment !! The business is Ltd (very !) can I claim the charges back ? I have no experience of this. My father's business is a partnership can he claim ? I'd appreciate the help. Do you know who I should contact regarding money raising / marketing of the site ? We make carflags, mini scarfs, minikits etc etc for all the pro football clubs and I'd be happy to do the same at cost for the CAG if it helped them promote the site. TEDWARDO:-D

Hi Karnevil, Thanks for that, I'll have a good look at similar claims before I go ahead. By the way everyone I've been to County Court a few times for business reasons rather than personal (chasing bad debt) so I can offer tips on how it all works generally if anyone needs reassuring. Cheers TEDWARDO:D

Hi, So far from my experience Yorkshire Bank have been the most stubborn but I'm guessing that's because they have had less experience of the situation with them having a lot less customers than Abbey, Lloyds etc. However at the end of the day it doesn't matter, just follow the guidelines on here and you'll get the lot back. Your won't need it but GOOD LUCK:) TEDWARDO:-D

Hi Everyone, I've been using this fantastic site for a while now and I thought it was about time I let everyone know how I've been getting on and see if I can help anyone out there. My progress so far is: Morgan Stanley CC Settled in full on 1st letter £16 (hey it's all money!) Halifax CC Settled in full after 2 letters & 1 phone call £73.95 Sainsbury CC Settled in full after 2 letters & 1 phone call £47.85 MBNA CC Settled in full after 2 letters and 1 phone call £231.22 HSBC BA have eventually offered £934.00 after a lot of hassle but this is still the amount without the interest so this is going to Court. RBS CC Court documents filed for £196.73 ABBEY BA Court documents filed for £805.38, then they offered half.......no TA ! Yorkshire Bank BA Court documents for £1422.14 to be filed tomorrow. Once all this is sorted I'm going after my business banking charges which will be thousands. Any one need any help, then please let me know and I'll do my best, each bank is using very different tactics to try to wriggle out of paying or scare people off. Tedwardo:-D