Welcome Finance Investigation

[postggj]

hi former welcome employe

forgive me for being dubiouse but this seems very convient

if you are legit welcome to cag, if not you will soon be spotted.

 

what can you tell me ref the insurances welcome con people into

are they trained to give advice

what commission do staff get

who is the insurance with (NOT ADDMINISTERS THE POLICY}

I ALLREADY KNOW THE ANSWERS SO BE TRUTHFULL

 

not hijacking thread

 

very relevent

 

after this please start your own thread as not to confuse

[FormerWFSemployee]

Hi postggj,

 

I understand your suspicions, however I did work for the organisation for 9 years at various levels and on the whole found most of it to be ok, however the people on the frontline are so pressurised into hitting targets they often go outside the rules to hit them. Re: Insurances The staff have to go through weekly training sessions and have to be signed of as competent on the company training for DPA, Admin of Justice Act, CCA, TCF to satisfy the FSA. The company are very hot on this that way should the TCF / FSA rules be broken the company have covered there own back and can say 'Well they have sat through the training and been signed of as competent by there line manager' thus the responsibility falls with the employee and not the company. re: Commissions: They have targets to hit however contrary to popular belief they do not earn a commission on this at all. The whole company ethos is deliver or else hence huge staff turnover and people are often in fear of their jobs if they do not hit targets.

 

I do not know how to start threads?? I would like to be a help to people and give some true advice as I fully understand the lifecycle of consumer debt from cradle to grave so if you can advise how I can do this that would be great

[postggj]

curiouse

in what are did you work for welcome

not letting on to much but i have an inside man

telling me different

 

to start your own thread go to the top of the page

click the underlined consumer forums

scroll down to general consumer issues, click, then scroll down untill you see start new thread and click

[FormerWFSemployee]

Branch Operations, from Customer Account Manager - Through to branch then Area Manager. I left circa 2 years ago as for who administers the policy I cant remember now, at one point it was norwich union!. The branch teams def do not earn a commission on the insurance sales, They may well do at Welcome Car Finance which is a wholly seperate company. It is then the dealership selling the products as an authorised representative therefore WFS can pay a commission to the dealer for putting the business their way again removing the ownership from the company.

 

how are we doing with your suspicions?

[postggj]

not convinced

sorry

 

nothing personel

[postggj]

why is it no one can remember who addministers the policies

 

I KNOW

[animal_lover]

Yep as you can probably guess Welcome Finance aren't well liked on this forum to say the least. If you could i would appreciate your advice on this thread (and i have another about the charges they have added but i'll put that up later if you want to have a look). for me this is more than just mis selling of insurance. i never asked for PPI and because they added it without telling me i've fallen behind on my payments, been defaulted and completely ruined my credit file. this wouldn't of happened if it wasn't for the insurance as i would of had alot less to pay each month and could of kept up with payments. for the part about i would probably get a refund if i sent a complaint via recorded delivery i've already done that and no such luck which is why i'm making a complaint to the FOS and Information Commissioners Office

Edited July 24, 2008 by animal_lover

[postggj]

Well Said Animal Lover

[postggj]

it appears our friendly ex welcome worker has disapeared

i wonder

i wonder

[citizenB]

it appears our friendly ex welcome worker has disapeared

i wonder

i wonder

 

 

Could be they just went for supper Or is still working out how to start a thread of their own

[Dipply75]

Ooo, how interesting. Think we are starting to worry them?

 

What the 'former employee' was saying sounded more like a political soundbite, and certainly does not match up to the ACTUAL experiences of hundreds (or thousands?) of customers/victims up and down the country.

 

Norwich Union were listed as the insurer circa 2004 ish, after that a lot of contracts just say 'a reputable insurer'. I fail to understand how an employee, who was so heavily involved in all the areas of the business, right up to area manager level, can forget so quickly major details of the insurance side which accounts for a big chunk of their profits.

 

I also like the assertion that the company has covered its own back by putting staff through training - therefore if they do break the rules it is not the companies fault, just a rogue employee? Pmsl, very good.....Hey, we trained him so its then not our fault what he gets up to.

 

Oh, well, I am now so convinced the company are covered and could not be held responsible, I don't think I will continue my fight

[FormerWFSemployee]

Thank you DIPPLY75!

I have forgotten re: the insurances as I left the company around 2.5 years ago. Being new to this world of forums / blogs etc I am struggling to understand the cynicism on here. It does not make any sense for Welcome to do this as I am sure you are aware most large organisations prefer to take the 5th amendment. As for 'political soundbite' I am a fairly simple creature so I have no idea what it means.

 

Hopefully the information below will remove some of the cynics out there who think everyone is watching and out to get them with continual hidden agendas!! and maybe just maybe will believe that I am not some spy playing a game for Welcome

 

If you shout loud enough you will get the result you are looking for. Take note: all of the conversations made into the office are actually recorded remotely in head office therefore should you speak to lets say a branch manager over the phone and make a request not to be called or for information or no-one to turn up at the door take a note of the time/date you spoke to them etc. Quote back to them that you understand that all calls are recorded remotely via nottingham (headoffice) etc and what ever you want done i'm pretty sure they will back down. The company keep this so they have evidence to be able to fire the employee and can show that they (welcome finance) are taking a responsible stance should someone shout loud enough. Again covering there own backsides and somehow managing to pass the buck. In all the time I was with them there was never any communication delivered (in writing) to undertake sly or illegal practices the message topped down however was always do what it takes to hit the numbers again no evidence to blame the company only the frontline employee who has sigend a declaration to not go outside the rules etc.

Perhaps i'm not right for these forums, I have not been burnt by the company I just do not like most of their 'real' working practices as opposed to the corporate image. I thought that I would be able to shed some genuine light on the company without emotion as I personally am not on a 'mission' to beat them.

Edited July 25, 2008 by FormerWFSemployee

[postggj]

hi former welcome fighter like i said if you are legit welcome to the forum.

its nothing personel, its just a fact that welcome pop up now and again pretending to be a client.

 

like i said its not an attack against you but welcome appear more times on this forum for there dubiouse business practise.

 

to convince us we need more info, not standard reterick

let us know the real welcome.

i say again, i have done my research and confirmed as true

[postggj]

i think the best idea if possible for a mod to move former welcome employe to a thread of there own, dont want this thread confused.

this person could be a value assett to the forum but many more questions.

 

you say you left 2.5 years ago, the sales people dont receive commission.

in my sar, i had a print out of exactly that. and how much they received. an over site by welcome to put in my sar but damage done.

 

you can understand now why cynical

[Dipply75]

I agree postggj - if genuine then all welcome and there would be nothing but the friendly attitude that everyone usually gets on here, but if formerWFS has a read through some of the threads they will understand the level of cynicism.

 

Yes, I am cynical, although funnily enough I never used to be. Companies like Welcome have changed me. I am, however, certainly not ignorant as you stated. Not at all. The great thing about this forum is that the discussions (good or bad) all provide information for everyone, and discussions can get heated! If I ever offended or said anything inappropriate I am happy to apologise, just post to say so and I can apologise/explain my post better or whatever - either way there is still a discussion going on that can throw up info that my be useful to someone.

 

There is nothing constructive about just leaving petty insults as comments. You should start a thread with your intentions etc and you will have plenty of questions, friendly hellos etc but you really should read some of the threads to understand what some folk have been put through.

 

Feel free to read mine, I would be genuinely interested in any opinions/advice/insights:

 

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/payment-protection-insurance-ppi/131435-welcome-finance-missold-ppi.html

[FormerWFSemployee]

Simple

 

You apply for a loan, the high street lenders won't approve you because you are considered high risk you take out an agreement, you sign an agreement it does not matter what the interest rate is or how expensive the insurances are if you dont like it dont sign it. Thats the beauty of living in a free economy people can charge what they like for their services as people can go elsewhere if they wish. if you cant then dont borrow the money, there is no automatic right to have credit. If you have proved untrustworthy enough in the past or had circumstances outside your control meaning you defaulted on payments and were not smart enough to take insurance to cover lifes outcomes and defaulted on agreements with prime lenders then why should a company not charge such a high rate and offer you insurances (by the way on the agreement that you chose to sign it states 'all insurances are optional' how on earth can you say that you had no choice and where mis-sold dont take it in the first place. Furthermore why would you not ensure you understood everything you signed for. Sometimes people will then blame the company by saying that they are taking advantage of vulnerable people. This itself is nonsense. Dont take the agreement out. The majority of customers are not vulnerable they are just bad at paying their accounts and in many cases will attempt to claim on PPI when they have been sacked or quit a job! they will then think that its unfair etc and ask to cancel the insurances as they are 'useless' again absolute nonsense. There is cooling of period with the insurance so again cancel it!

 

People then go on to say I felt initmidated again nonsense.

 

Again I re-iterate WFS BRANCH STAFF DO NOT EARN A COMMISSION ON THE INSURANCE SALES. They do receive a bonus (quarterly) for the teams overall efforts from a new business and arrears level point of view. They have to operate a balance book.

 

If you were naive enough to sign an agreement without checking it then whose fault is it??

 

I have decided to close down my account I have looked at more and more threads and how people do not take responsibility for their own actions is beyond me every person is over 18 legally classed as an adult I am honestly in bewilderment that some people think that the APR'setc are so unfair DONT SIGN IT.. On the arrears side people are moaning because someone turns up at the door asking for payment. Whats wrong with this?? someone signs an agreement to make a payment every month and then does not do that then they have broken there side of the agreement. Fine if they had the foresight to take out the insurance but if they did not want to and are then looking for WFS to be sympathetic why should they?

 

The customer has only gone to welcome in the first place because they have messed around other lenders previously this is why Welcome have to be incredibly assertive with their customers.

 

I still maintain many of the practices going on in the branch network are untowards and breaking various acts in particular DPA, however I cant read anymore threads blaming other people for their own actions it is driving me mad.

 

IT IS COMPANY POLICY THAT 2 loans cant be given out at the same address but that should never have been explained to the customer as that is a breach of the DPA. They simply should have said that the loan was declined as they do not have to give a reason (or is that unfair!).

 

the reason for this policy is guilty by association and limiting risk. therefore if someone has a brother who has defaulted on an account and having ppayment problems why would they issue a loan to the other brother surely that is risky? or is it everyones right to have credit granted, it would be interesting to see everyones thoughts if it were there own money being lent to mainly council tenants who are continual drain on society and I am convinced that is the case for at least 80% of council tenants.

 

Goodnight

[postggj]

all i am going to say is that you have not read the heart ache and misery welcome cause.

i agree most people who use welcome can not get credit else where for what ever reason.

but

welcome is only there to compound the misery, lets take this step by step.

why is ppi allways added to the loan when not requested

why is ppi front loaded

why when people are under the impression they have paid out the loan they then get stung for the remaining ppi at an huge interest rate

why do welcome allways ignore customers complaints

 

most people again who use welcome through no fault of there own, do not realise what they are signing, ie, non canceble agreements as done on trade premisis

people are kept waiting for hours in the show room to be told they have been accepted and just to sign an agreement allready made out, not to realise what they are signing.

 

this could go on and on my comments but you get the general idea

 

i must say the way you speak on your last post comes straight out of a welcome training manual and your comments are not welcome, excuse the pun

[postggj]

rumbled

[alanalana]

Hello animal lover,

I know this is your thread and do not mean to hijack but this caught my eye. Posted by FWFS.

 

the reason for this policy is guilty by association and limiting risk. therefore if someone has a brother who has defaulted on an account and having ppayment problems why would they issue a loan to the other brother surely that is risky? or is it everyones right to have credit granted, it would be interesting to see everyones thoughts if it were there own money being lent to mainly council tenants who are continual drain on society and I am convinced that is the case for at least 80% of council tenants.

 

Rather a nasty slur on council tenants I would say:eek:

 

FWFS could end up asking for advice in the legal section of CAG:rolleyes:

 

aa

[Dipply75]

Wow. what an undignified rant and rave against complete strangers. Was your old username mr Middie by any chance! Apparently, if we didn't spend a few years learning all the ins and outs of of all the relevant acts/laws and regs on finance etc the second you left school then hell mend us?

 

Heard of the responsible lending code etc? Welcome are well aware that most folk are not aware of their rights and the laws and (especially going by your comments) think this is an excuse to make a lot of money taking advantage of this.

 

And everyone should have a well paid job and buy a house, or you are a drain on society - pmsl, very good...as that is entirely possible in our economy.......

 

And if there is a 'no loans at 2 addresses' policy for the reason you give - how could you possibly know the financial situation of everyone else living at the same address? Either check them out without consent - naughty....or you just assume if one person is approaching welcome they are obviously bad payers (arrogance), therefore everyone they live in the same property with are(arrogance and ignorance) - naughty......the whole rant has clarified completely the attitude welcome staff have towards their clients.

 

No wonder you got to area manager level with those views. I have said it once, I'll say it again - I sincerely hope life doesn't turn on you and you hit hard times as it will hit someone with such a judgmental attitude very hard indeed. Or maybe you would see some of the real world that about 80% of the country actually live in.

 

Going by the extreme tone of you post - are you just really annoyed that us poor folk are being 'ungrateful' and fighting back?

Edited July 28, 2008 by Dipply75
oopsed

[postggj]

well said dipply

i held back not to get cagbooted

[Dipply75]

I probably will (sorry!) but that was just so wrong. Was there any useful info to come out of all that for animal lover at all?

[postggj]

perhaps now fwe has gone we can get back to helping animal lover

[animal_lover]

Speaking of which i need some help with the letters for the FOS and Information Commissioners Office, I've done them but i'm not very good at writing letters so i could do with your opinions on making them better.

This one is for the Information Commissioners Office.

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I wish to make a complaint about Welcome Financial Services and there failure to fully comply with my Subject Access Request dated the 27th June 2008.

 

I recieved a reply to my request which was dated the 2nd July 2008 but it was incomplete. So i sent a Non-Compliance letter on the 15th July 2008 which included a list of all the information they had missed and that i required but once again i recieved the same information i recieved in my original request. now Welcome Financial Services decline to give me this Information.

 

I have enclosed all documentation recieved regarding my request and hope this helps to resolve my complaint.

 

Yours faithfully

 

animal_lover

 

What do you think?

Edited July 29, 2008 by animal_lover

[animal_lover]

FOS letter.

 

Dear Sir/Madam,

 

I wish to make a complaint about Welcome Financial Services regarding there misselling of Payment Protection Insurance which was added to my Loan without my consent.

 

I took out the loan in November 2006 at the Cholton, Manchester branch number 072. When i arrived i was told that i couldn't have the amount that i wanted but they would give me half of it even though in her words she says she wasn't allowed to but she really wanted to "help" me. This was the same person who then completed my loan application due to the fact that the person who was meant to do it was unavailable at the time.

 

During the whole process nothing was ever mentioned to me regarding Payment Protection Insurance all the figures i was told had PPI included but was never mentioned. I've also never recieved any documentation about my policy nor any information about who holds my policy.

 

My reasons for misselling are

1- Welcome Financial Services added Payment Protection Insurance to my loan without consent.

2- Never recieved any documention about my policy and who it's with to of been able to cancel it had i been aware.

3- Medical History - If they had asked me about any exsisting medical conditions they would of known that xxxxx,xxxxx and xxxxx would of made my claim invalid.

4- was never given enough time to read and check the documents and was told where to sign.

5- All dates and and printed versions of my name are not my handwriting.

6- when taking out the loan they told me the APR was alot lower than it is stated on my Credit Agreement.

7-The fact that i was basically made to take out the PPI and wasn't even given the option of it or having the option of looking around trying to find a cheaper insurance.

 

I have also included the full and final response i recieved from Welcome Financial Services in respect of my complaint.

 

I hope this information is enough to resolve my complaint.

 

Yours faithfully

 

animal _lover

 

I know this one needs some work done on it but any help would be great

Thanks