Sorry it wasn't meant as an insult. It just takes the biscuit that a debt company, owned by BOS, is charging you £7.60 for a payment that would be free over the counter at BOS. Think about it long and hard:mad2:

Fair comment. The CCCS was founded in 1993 and is considered one of the best debt related charities in the UK. For those people interested www.cccs.co.uk. Blair, Oliver and Scott? It beats me why any sane individual would lay out £7.60 just to make a payment to these Cowboys. You know my opinion best left well alone.

Fascinating. What was the end result? Its a long time since your post but very interested to know

Firstly, I'm not really sure why you are dealing with BOS in this matter, and I also note from some of your postings that you have been advised not to telephone BOS on a 0845 number. My advice is extremely simple and effective. Your first move, immediately, is either a visit to Tradings Standards or to make a simple telephone call to them. Explain your situation clearly and that you are being harassed by BOS. You will then get a reference number. Keep it ! Write a letter then to BOS (recorded delivery) explaining that you have reason to believe that their behaviour is illegal. In fact, judging by your posts, their behaviour does seem to contravene Section 40 of the Administration of Justice Act. BOS, in fact, have no more right to collect money from you than I do. (They do however have the right to take you to court, like I do or anybody else for that matter, in a financial dispute. That, however, is a totally separate issue at this moment in time). Explain that from the date of your letter you will, under no circumstances, have any further dealings with them. If you have a written agreement that is irrelevant. Contact Consumer Credit Counselling immediately and notify the Halifax Bank of your reasons and decision to dispense with BOS. There are no charges with CCCS and they have an extremely effective email system you can use. They will also clearly advise you on what you should legally pay(as in within your means). If you receive any further mail from BOS after your recorded delivery letter, contact Trading Standards immediately. Do not, under any circumstances, telephone BOS again !!!. Telephone charges? Postage charges? Make a detailed note and inform them that they will be deducted from the final payment with interest. Will they take you to court for that amount? I doubt it. Would they win? I doubt that as well. Start thinking outside the box! Sit tight and don't be bullied.

Certainly. A very close family friend was made redundant in 2009. Realising that she would have difficulty in dealing with several debts with the Halifax Bank, she contacted them immediately. Up until then she had what could be called an unblemished credit report. The Halifax were slow to respond, and as the weeks passed, the charges increased significantly. Although she made several attempts to reconcile the matter, they insisted that she use a debt management company. They also intimated that if she did, a nominal interest rate of half a percent would be charged. She contacted the CCCS,and after completing various forms, the payment plan began more or less immediately. Nothing more was heard and she received monthly statements confirming her payments, as agreed with the Halifax Bank. (the CCCS are a charity and do not charge for their services) She then started receiving letters from Blair, Oliver and Scott Limited which stated 'Notice of Intended Court Action'. They were demanding payment in full, also giving an 0845 number and suggesting a repayment plan was taken out with them immediately. All she had to do was ring an 0845 number and go from there (these letters were on a weekly basis). The letters are intimidating, full of errors and various company address's can be found in minute lettering at the bottom of the page. They are so small that most people wouldn't even see them. They also quote the 1974 Consumer Credit Act which has long since been superceded. Two applicable land line numbers instead of the 0845 numbers 0131 422 7777 and 01733 338480 are either never answered or constantly engaged. 0845 numbers are classed as Premium Rate Numbers. Whilst I appreciate this is open to debate, and BT will make them very shortly free of charge, you are not allowed to use Premium Rate Numbers in debt related matters. The letters also suggest that it is your interest to start a debt management plan with them. So the 0845 number incur a cost and there is a further charge for their debt management plan..do you get where this situation is leading? I can't be any clearer than that. I contacted Trading Standards on her behalf and she now has a refence number. If this scenario had continued, it was technically a breach of Section 40 of the Adminstration Of Justice Act. Result? All charges since the dates of non payment have been removed and no further interest can be charged. Literally thousands of pounds saved. Hope this helps you and others a little

Many Thanks. Very strange (the word bent springs to mind) organisation. Be very careful with this outfit. The Wild West springs to mind. If you receive any letters from this organisation do NOT ring the 0845 number. Just received an apology and saved literally thousands of pounds. Any mither? complain straight away to Trading Standards. Bullies sanctioned by the Bank. and stand your ground !!!!!

Those of you who followed my previous posts will, no doubt, be interested in further developments. These developments include The Halifax Bank, West Mercia Police, The Bank Of Ireland, The National Westminster Bank, the IPCC and Baydonhill. The other individual organisations involved will appear in peripheral parts of this story. I wish to make it extremely clear from the outset of this story that, both the National Westminster Bank and Baydonhill, behaved without reproach from the very beginning. It was only with their combined help I was able to uncover some of the salient facts (although not all). The Bank Of Ireland acted as an intermediary and therefore they were only a conduit for funds that eventually reached Spain. The National Westminster Bank provided me with cheques going back over a period of roughly five years. Going through these cheques and statements with the Branch Manager, he said he had found numerous dubious transactions, and that the signatures on the cheques in some cases diiffered from cheque to cheque. He also stated that it appeared from the account statements he had, that my fathers account had been systematically plundered (his words not mine). The transactions in relation to Spain were, unfortunately, done through the Halifax Bank. I believed initially, because of the way the Halifax Bank prepare their statements, that there had in fact been a cash withdrawl of over 100k. The Halifax let me continue to believe this by firstly insisting that they could give no further information unless it was to my Solicitor. When I then employed a Solicitor they refused to deal with him unless my fathers Will had gone through probate. What I then discovered was even stranger. It wasn't a cash withdrawl from the Halifax Bank but a BACS payment (thanks to Baydonhill). This had been done on a computer (also using a fax machine) by a partially sighted, 88 year old man who was, to all intents and purposes, illiterate. At this point in time, according to his medical records, he even had difficulty administering his own medication. He was also using various cash machines on a regular basis. It became clear that something was patently wrong. 2 years later the Halifax Bank are still refusing to supply details of that transaction and the paperwork involved. This also includes the signatures in the DEAL with Baydonhill West Mercia Police interviewed the alledged suspect, over the telephone, and asked him if he was involved. When he replied "no" they asked him to put it in writing and closed the case. Their actions were then subject to a formal complaint which they rejected. The complaint was upheld by the IPCC. A second complaint against West Mercia Police to the IPCC was dismissed. At this point in time, for legal reasons, I cannot go in to the background of this because a further complaint is pending. The Halifax Bank are still refusing to supply details of this signature to a court appointed Administrator. A handwriting expert has confirmed that the cheques from the National Westminster Bank are forged, but still needs the signature from the BACS payment (as a 'back-up'). This is the signature the Halifax Bank still refuse to supply. As a matter of interest West Mercia Police refused to have the cheques verified because it wasn't in the interests of the "Public Purse". Remember this; The fos did absolutely nothing. IPCC cannot take new evidence on a previous complaint (even if it can be proved no prior investigation was made by the investigating force). As a Beneficiary you have little or no rights to ascertain relevant or past financial dealings of a deceased party of which you are named in a Will. West Mercia Police seemed more interested in the Public Purse than the Public Good. At no point in time did West Mercia Police approach or contact the Halifax Bank, The National Westminster Bank or Baydonhill. As an Executor you have a right and a legal duty to the Estate to uncover all assets. The Halifax Bank refused to supply me with relevant information although they were duty bound to do so. It's worth remembering that you are legally liable for discrepancies and any tax due in the future. If you are either an Executor or a Beneficiary and you cross paths with the Halifax Bank, be very, very careful. Double check everything and do not take no for an answer. There is obviously more but for those of you interested have a look at www. Times Online beneficiary fraud. Although it dates from 2005, you will be extremely surprised at the content. It's an excellent article, but more importantly, the people and costs involved are staggering. The then article promises drastic changes (by MP's of course) in a system that is flawed. No surprise then that in 2011 absolutely nothing has changed (although you can no longer, as an MP, purchase a 'duck house', get your Moat cleaned or claim allowances on a property owned by a family member).

Tired of phoning the Halifax Retail Fraud department on 0845 numbers? This is the number that the Police (when they can be bothered) and other Busines users use. Its 01422 394994. Save yourself at least some money. Satisfaction? unlikely !!!! Any comments in relation to this outfit gratefully received !!!

That sounds just about right. It's over 2 years now (in my case) and the Halifax Bank still refuses to co-operate with me as a legally appointed Executor. They also refused to co-operate with my Solicitor and a court appointed Administrator. Before anybody attempts to tell me what the Halifax Bank can do, or for that matter can't do, I am aware of the law and my rights. Unfortunately they just seem do what they want (As do Kraft after its Hostile takeover of Cadbury, and now Thomas Cook breaking Abta Rules, E.U Compensation Laws and Contract Law. Why? Because put simply THEY CAN. Toothless regulators we have a plenty in the UK. Having written to a Mr James Brown, of the Halifax Bank Retail Fraud Department, it would appear that this gentleman (apparently) can not only read minds, but also has a Spirit Medium for guidance. Flippant? Not if you read the letter that came from this gentleman. Does James Brown exist? I doubt it. He won't speak to me on the phone and never rings me back. The Police? stop watching your flat screen, 3D televisions please . Every query and every attempt to get the truth from the Halifax Bank has been ignored. The fos is an organisation that is best left well alone, as are your local MP and the Treasury Select Committee. Just do not even waste your time, petrol (diesel in my case) postage, phone costs or your bus fare with ANY of the above miscreants. Only two things spring to mind with these organisations or people Vested Interests Flood Gates Once you have removed their individual or joint vested interests, just watch the flood gates open in court cases, damages and justified awards. Sadly it will never be that simple, or for that matter happen, for obvious reasons. Its hard to believe that Banking was once a Quaker Industry. Their belief was that money was only worth something if it was put to the common good. I suppose, in a way, it is these days as well; it goes to those that have plenty... and just want more. Their belief is that it's to their good, and to doubt that fact is common. I am now waiting for more information on this matter. Once I have it you will be amazed at what did really go on with the Halifax Bank. (I know what went on..I am just waiting for confirmation from several sources for legal reasons).

Has anybody had dealings with this debt collection agency? I have just made a complaint to Trading Standards over this debt collection agency. Will give full details over the problems ( in the next 48 hours) I have experienced with this company

Hi I notice your posting was in November. If you read my various posts you'll see my situation was very similar. You are, rest assured, entitled to see a copy of the Will. Feeling ill at ease in your present situation is understandable although, in truth, it solves nothing. 2 years down the line (yes 2 years) I am slowly uncovering some facts which the Halifax Bank, assisted by fso, have attempted to cover over. You need a solicitor. Its a maze that once you start going down, gets not only complicated, but is governed by greed and stupidity.

Anybody who followed my posts in relation to the fos might be extremely interested in how the situation developed, in relation to the above organisation, and how it is still unresolved. It is basically a salutory warning to anybody who is either an executor or a beneficiary in a Will in the UK. The truth is stranger than the original posts, and I thank all those who replied with lots of good and sensible advice. If anybody wonders why the UK banking system reached the depths that it did, so quickly, then the following posts might surprise some people. The fos, if you look up my old posts, did absolutely nothing. They did come to some verbal agreement with the Halifax Bank, then shortly after denied it. In all fairness, full marks to the National Westminster Bank who helped me 100%. Again thanks to Baydonhill who helped me uncover matters which really did beggar belief. So why did the Halifax Bereavement Centre, abley assisted by the fos, play games and and withold information for over 18 months? The story in the original posts was slightly misleading, although through no fault of mine. For those of you familiar with this story.. no explanation is required. Those who are not, have a look. I will update this weekly and explain how some banks operate, in an attempt to stop any fraudlent claims whatsoever! Beneficiaries might also be surprised at what little power they have over fraudulent executors, and executors might be surprised how some banks just totally ignore all reasonable and lawfull requests they might have http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?243853-FOS-complaints&highlight= 1st thread above

Local authorities are a fascinating subject. In mine, in the departments I was involved with, they were usually run by either one or two families. This was, in my case, the Licensing Department and the Passenger Transport Executive. It was disturbing to find this situation had become normal over the years, although it was unlikely to be found in the real world. Of course the problems were horrendous. Bullying, threats, and any signs of 'not fitting in' meant you would be 'stitched up' very quickly (as you well know). There was no where to go with a complaint, because if you did, it was another family member you were complaining about to. The power these people held was truly frightening, and from my understanding, absolutely nothing has changed to this day. The Executive are well aware of the alledged corruption in these scenario's especially in the case of tenders, but choose no doubt out of necessity, to ignore it. I'm sure you are aware of how deep the issues go... and it would take several pages to cover all the points. However most, if not all local authority dealings are incestuos (in some form or another). Sadly, most of the local press also seem to fall in bed with their local authority and so these issues are never, ever fully investigated I'm sure I have told you nothing you are not fully aware of sooooo just get round it, before (like a good friend of mine) you have a nervous breakdown. I left that 'Alice in Wonderland' situation years ago!

Malice in the business world, along with 'black lists' are sadly, a part of the world we live in. Solution is very simple. Find a friend, or somebody with a related business, and get them to write a factual reference for you. Try it (with variations) you might be surprised. Play them at their own game.

what sort of rating would it need? PG 15 or over 18? Think it might be more akin to 'The Office'. A laugh a minute (at our expense).

Sooo suggest you look at my thread in full. So if the fos are a business, like you suggest, how can it be independant from the business world? If they have received millions of complaints whose fault is that? Surely they are not driven by a media culture as you suggest. The complaints are due to inherent sharp practices, cultured by the banking system, and the deregulation of the financial industry in general. Unfortunately, due to the advent of the internet, and a well educated public, deception is extremely hard to disguise for long periods of time. It was the likes of me, and you and millions of others (in fact the entire population of the UK) who forfeited £1,000 per person to contain the sorry mess the banks got in to. The banks are still paying out bonuses, the fos are still covering the banks in their own peculiar non-independant way and the mess just carries on. Absolutely nothing has been learned by the banks except for one thing.. if they get in trouble again, the fools who they robbed for countless years, will bail them out (through their tax contributions) once agin. At least in China they shoot them. Here in the Uk they get massive pension pots, knighthoods and another job. Wake up charlieboy

I have now returned the fos letter, ticking the box that says I WANT TO CONTINUE WITH MY COMPLAINT BECAUSE..... please tell us why... Well apart from the fact that you, the fos, have behaved in a unprofessional manner, which seems to be general thread running through all these posts, you seem to have great difficulty in being honest. For those individuals who havn't seen the blurb on the back of the fos adjudicator's conclussion letter, it says (please don't laugh renegotiation;)) We are the official experts in deciding who is right and who is wrong.. WE ARE COMPLETELY INDEPENDANT and make up our minds based on the facts of each individual case. At the bottom it appears to have a Mission Statement (oh dear... makes you cringe doesn't it) It states DECIDING COMPLAINTS NOT TAKING SIDES. Ah well, now let me find that old copy of Billys Weekly Liar! (if you look at Saturdays Guardian 6/02/10, Money Section, back page...... they also suffer from a strange malady called forgetfullness. Funny.. so did Bill Clinton:rolleyes:

It also doesn't tell you how many don't get past the initial screening process, usually by telephone.

At least we have established now that the Halifax Bereavement Centre and the fos (ok renegotiation? ) are not the the most truthfull or reliable organisations to deal with. In fact it beats me why anybody would deal with the fos in a case like mine, especially after my experience. The Halifax Bereavement Centre is a fancy title for an organisation that will supply any information to you, as long as it doesn't implicate them in any breach of a statutory duty of care. What you have to do is imagine the following scenario; a late octogenarian, frail, possibley confused and partially sighted, who also has numerous other medical problems pops into a branch of the Halifax Bank, picks up a six figure sum in cash, and then disappears, only to purchase a property in a sun drenched location several days later. The question was very simple for the Halifax. How was the cash collected, who served him and could I see a copy of the withdrawal slip? Lets face it, wouldn't you be curious? The Halifax Bereavement Centre continually refused to disclose this information, plus will not divulge a copy of any transactions on this account. (even though at one point they did agree to with the fos, then changed their minds) Strange? It gets stranger still. This 6 figure sum eventually, after a disclosure was required in relation to submitted accounts for eventual probate, was apparently paid to a PLC described by the 'Times Newspaper' as a ' terrific team of specialists'. (No names yet sorry). Sooo bearing that in mind, I then ask for copies of that transaction from the company in question. After a letter, numerous emails and telephone calls, I finally receive the paperwork. There is just one slight problem with the alledged documents. The relevant information is missing! There are no signatures, no details of the actual history of transactions and the whole items seem to be blank original documents, with relevant items inserted long after the transaction was made. I might be wrong but 2 of the sheets submitted to me are blank templates with a name at the top with several financial items inserted. Where do you go from here? Well I have some phone calls to make tomorrow and be sure that very shortly, I will disclose information that might surprise some individuals. Please note thal ALL this information is documented so I am not in the least bit concerned about this particular post. The information submitted to me is totally useless. So the question then begs to be answered; Do Banks and the Financial Services Industry collude? It would seem they do. So we now have the fos and fsa implicated in a situation, in which neither organisation feels threatened, because of their present dilatory governing bodies. I appreciate that banks are responsible to the fsa for certain products that they 'market', but these are two separate, individual companies at opposite ends of the spectrum

A thousand apologies think its called senility :-|

Will diclose more at end of this month, but due to impending legal action cannot say a lot more now. I think BANKFODDER should have the bigger picture by now. Will start process as suggested. Just waiting for a reply from the FSO

My reason for joining this site was to make people aware of the mess known as the FSA. The cost of my additional legal bill through the FSA is around £2,500 since I started dealing with them. I think personally that this site is a perfect platform for embarrassing the FSO and its minions (and others like them). Legal action is expensive, and whilst I appreciate various conclusions in respect of this avenue, the FSO was designed to operate the way it does. Biased, off kilter and wrong. You certainly wouldn't (as renegotiation suggests) be telling anybody anything new with regards to the FSO, although I more than understand his line of reasoning Its a very expensive white elephant, which serves little or no purpose, and has absolutely no powers whatsoever. The banks are, quite literally, laughing all the way to the bank.

The problem is we all seem to be dealing with is the proverbial smoke and mirrors situation. One thing all these organisations have, in vast amounts, is time and money. The second problem is public awareness. How do you generate that? Unless, like I was (and others on this site), you actually become involved in similar situations, it's of little interest to anybody. The one thing that really took my breath away was the audacity and blatent double speak of the FSO. I felt as though they thought they were dealing with a retard (me). They have now asked if I am satisfied with their handling of the situation, my comments and do I wish to continue with my complaint. I will of course do this. This takes time, my (eventual) money, but also knowing full well that the end result will also be the same. It's Kafkaesque situation brought about by big banks, their full use of the capitalist system for their own ends, and a goverment that panders to their every need, bonus payments included. My thoughts? Appeal all you want. They just move the goal posts!

Emailed you regards Uaruman

Can't seem to find your admin e.mail address! Sure its there somewhere lol Let me have it please