Thanks for the advice. It sounds like they listened to you. I am single and am in no way connected with any other person who I would give my bank details to. If they freeze my details so no-one can use my bank account or switch card I lose out. During one of my 20 minute conversations with Paypal they did allow me to overhear that the bank details were with a German sounding companies email address (I wondered if it was somewhere I had bought camera equipment from), and the switch card was allocated to a woman with an English sounding name. I don't suppose these people know they have access to these strange accounts. I wrote to Paypal saying I didn't care as long as they let me use MY bank and switch card for MY Paypal account. They then wrote their final response. Their final response detailed each time I had added or removed a bank or card details from my Paypal account. It does not mention anyone elses Paypal account. It is only when the final response from Paypal comes through that you are recommended to write to the Information Commissioner. That was my last step.

I sold a camera on ebay last year. I went to withdraw the money from my paypal account and put in my bank details. Paypal said 'You cannot enter these bank details as they are being used by another paypal account holder'. Or words to that effect. I dont know anyone I would give my bank details to, and don't give authority out to any other people. Anyway after countless phone calls and emails, two months passed, and a letter to Paypal Europe, they gave me my bank account back. A month later I bought a cheap photographic light softener from Germany on ebay. I went to pay, and put my switch card details on to Paypal. You've guessed it, I cant use my switch card as its being used by another Paypal account user. I have rang and emailed them to let them know. The thing is if i get a new card it will have the same number across the middle, which is my bank account and sort code number. Paypal have now locked up my switch card from all users including me and sent me a denial of any wrongdoing. I still cant use Paypal. I wrote to the data protection registrar (Commissioner for Information) and they are investigating. I have since got a new switch card, same number across the middle, different issue and security code. When I enter it into Paypal,it says that it is also being used by another Paypal account holder. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Hi Karnevil, No it was never my intention to accept their offer. I just didnt know whether to give them a further 14 days to think about the amount with interest, or just to proceed to court. In the end I just pushed the submit button! Thanks for your help CB

I have just filed papers to sue HSBC for my charges, plus interest and court costs. If you haven't done this before you have to go to money claim online. You get a very small amount of text to describe your claim. Thanks to anyone on this site who helped I will post the outcome. CB

Thanks Karnevil. The letter I sent saying they have 14 days before court was replied to by the bank offering £340. Do you think I should ring them to see if they will settle at £385? I think they want me to accept their offer and they dont intend any more letters to me. CB

Does it matter that I included the phrase '14 days or court' alongside an amount without interest? CB

I sent one letter requesting statements. I worked out the amount without interest £385. I sent the letter saying 14 days or we go to court with a summary. The bank offered £340. In the forums I have seen people say ignore these offers, they are there to save the bank money? What is the next step? Write again with the amount increased with interest and even court costs? This would make the amount nearer £500. Or should I just file a court claim? CB

I have started my correspondence with HSBC. First I got the 6 years statements Then I bought the small claims pack advertised on this site. Then I worked out the charges without interest. I then used the standard letter on here which says 'you have 14 days before I take action' They have now made an offer I am not happy with. I dont know if I should send them a letter adding the interest (or court costs) and giving them another 14 days? Maybe I should just go to Money claim online and complete the court details? Whats everyone think? CB

Hi Barracad, Looks like I got it wrong. My first letter included the clause about 14 days or we go to court. It did not include any interest. Should I write now with the amount after interest, and give them another 14 days to respond? Or do you think straight to court with the amount and interest and court charges? CB

Thanks Bookworm

I am just about to complete my court forms against HSBC. They ask for the name and address of the defendant. Should I use the address which HSBC have on their preliminary offer? CB

The first stage is to ask the bank for 6 years worth of statements Then you work out the charges you can reclaim Then enter those on one of the template spreadsheets (without interest) And let the bank know you intend to claim attaching a spreadsheet copy. From there on it depends how the bank respond. Mine have already offered a settlement straight away, but its not enough so I shall issue proceedings tonight! CB

I have begun my trip down the road of reclaiming charges. I got my small claims pack which I bought. Got 6 years of statements. Worked out charges. Sent a letter to the bank. The letter I used was a standard letter from this site. Alas it included a phrase which means '14 days or I go to court!' The bank responded with a derisory offer. I am ready to go to moneyclaim.gov.uk to go to court. However should I be going to court so quickly? I just wondered if I had scuppered my own case having said '14 days or I go to court' so soon? CB:shock:

Thanks to everyone who replied to this thread. I have started registering with moneyclaim online to make my claim. I will complete the forms when I get home tonight. I assume the total amount of my claim from the bank is £charges+interest+court costs=claim total. Is this correct? CB

I have sent the letter which gives them 14 days and they have made a derisory offer. Now I assume I have to issue the going to court form, and write and let the bank know I intend to sue?

Hi Carly, The online PDF of the N1 on the link you sent is the same as the paper copy I have. The excel sheet has calculated the size of my claim with interest. The pack says you can start a claim online and this is £40 costs up to £400 claim. I just fall into that category, so I think I will go online like you did. Is is easier that way? CB8)

Hi Carly, Er yes, I just looked up the letter and I quote 'I will give you 14 days to reply to me accepting, unconditionally, my request in principle and letting me know a date by which I will receive payment.' Looks like I have to go to court now! I have the N1 form and a spreadsheet showing my charges and interest. What else should I add in? Any charges for issuing the form to court? This sounds like where it gets complicated! CB

Hi Carly, Thanks for your reply. I used a version of this letter before I got their initial offer. If I use a version of this letter this time, do I need to add interest to my claim, or put in a deadline after which time court action will progress? CB:-D

I am progressing along nicely with my claim against HSBC for standard charges refund. I have received six years worth of statements, worked out the charges, and sent them a letter and spreadsheet saying please refund without interest. I now have an offer from HSBC to refund most of the money without interest. I do not intend to accept their offer. I have read the threads which say the process has several steps before court. I have also ordered and received the 'small claims self help' kit. What I want to know, dear reader, is which standard letter should I use for 'step 4' in the process? This is the letter which says you have 14 days to go to pay me the money and interest, or we go to court! Can anyone recommend a good standard letter as a next step? Thanks CB8-)