hsbc hell!!!!!!!

[hsbc.hell]

Hi guys,

 

i am very new to this site, after visiting and following step 1 i am now at a stand still!

 

I received a letter from HSBC 11/09/07. the letter has an attachment showing fees that may have bee added to my account (memo type) for the period requested 2001-2007 in respect of overdrafts. it also states that the notes explaining fees list which describes other fees that are ot included in the list and not related to my enquiry!

 

it states the quickest way is to log on to internet banking -

 

does internet banking go back this far? as show all fees??? the memo they send me doesnt look right. one part shows over draft related charges £525+ and the other part other over draft related charges. £320+

 

 

also letter states that they ASSUME (cheek of it! ) that i have asked this info in order to make a claim and wanted to advise me on their policy. that they have been involved in legal action proceedings with OFT.

 

But because of the determination of the legal issues in the proceedings (responding to complaints etc... ) they have asked FSA to suspend normal timetable for dealing with complaints (i take it this means can take forever???) but is subject to conditions that protect our rights.

 

What does this mean?

 

they say my complaint will be logged and dealt with once the legal proceedings with OFT & banks finish. and they will keep me updated.

 

 

please help and advise. i am very cofussed.....

 

 

Thank you so much

 

HSBC.HELL

[lateralus]

welcome to the forum.

yes, it's true - there is a court case going on which means the banks are within their rights not to deal with your request for your charges to be returned just now.

here's a link which may be helpful: OFT Test claim: What this means for you

 

you've obviously asked them for a list of the charges which you mean to reclaim. i wouldn't trust their list of charges - i'd make my own. to do this you need your statements for the last 6 years. if you have them saved - that's great! if not, you could try to get them online - here's the way to make it go further back -

 

INTERNET BANKING WEBSITE: -

HSBC INTERNET BANKING

 

HOW TO OBTAIN YOUR STATEMENTS ON LINE: -

Click on “My Accounts” choose the account that you wish to deal with and then click on “My Statements” this will give you online access to up to 6 years of statements. (Repeat for each account and use a separate spreadsheet for each account).

 

Hint: - Watch out for the moving "Prev" button it is replaced by "Next" which takes you back to where you started

 

now, if you can't get them online - you need to send a sar this is step one in the newcomer thread in my signature.

you send £10 (which they usually return) and ask for the statements over the last six years - under the data protection act - they have 40 days to supply that info to you. use the template letter in the library - the new sar letter generator will guide you through.

so, that's you getting the info - once you have it - follow the steps in the step by step - when making your list of charges- use this list:

Charges description on statements - Please Read (note: as of 1 dec last year - they started using the terms notified fees and arrangement fees - these are just new terms for old charges so include them in your list)

once you have your list - you can send the preliminary request for payment then 14 days later your letter before action - it's all in the step by steps - the newcomer link in my siggy.

hopefully, this will help you on your way. it will take quite a bit longer than it would have before the announcement of the oft court case - reported in the news on 26 july - but it will happen. the smart money is saying if you have your claim in the system - it will be dealt with.

good luck - get back if you have more questions

[jowalshy]

HSBC are basically telling you that if you try and put in a claim to refund your charges, they will log the complaint and deal with it once the OFT test case is over and done with.

 

As lattie has explained above, the easiest way to get the info regarding the charges that they have levied from your account, is to register with the online banking facility. There you will be able to access six years worth of statements. Just register using the link on Lattie's post and then you will receive a unique ID number to access your account online.

 

As for timelines for the OFT case, nobody knows for sure how long this will take. It is due to start in January 2008.

 

If you go through with your claim eg send the preliminary letter, wait 14 days, send letter before action, wait 14 days and then file a claim through the courts, your claim will most probably be stayed (this means it will be put on hold until the outcome of the test case with OFT). In some circumstances eg financial hardship or if you are on benefits and they have been taking penalty charges from these benefits, then it may be possible for you to lift the stay.

 

if you have any further questions, just ask.

[Rayne]

If it's any help, as per JW's post, I'm at the stage where my claim has been stayed pending the outcome of the OFT case. I've applied for the stay to be lifted on the grounds of financial hardship, human rights, taking charges from benefits etc and am now waiting to hear back. Just for info I've also starting prepping to go "all the way" with HSBC, for entirely personal reasons, including letters to the DTI, OFT, FOS, MP for Work and Pensions, my local

MP and also my local papers. If I can help you in any way, please just ask. If I can't then one of the other layabouts on here should be able to

 

/me runs for cover....