Sazafraz v Barclays

[sazafraz]

Hi,

I'm new here and it's took me ages just to learn how to post a new thread !

Anyway I've sent my first letter to Sharkleys ermm sorry Barclays, (7/7/06), and as yet I've heard nothing, but early days I suppose. I'll keep you updated as to how I get on.

Sarah.

[sarahwarren]

Hi and welcome!!!

 

When I started on here it took me a while to get my head around things!

 

Don't worry, you'll soon be whizzing through things with no problems!

 

Follow all the advice and you can't go wrong.

 

If you have got any questions or just want something confirmed...this is the best place to be, you get tons of support and everyone is really helpful here!

 

Good Luck and keep us updated!

 

Sarah....yep, another one!

[blueskies]

Have you made a DPA SAR? This will give you details of all the charges and manual interventions on your account and will come in useful later.

 

Also be careful to follow the tried and tested procedure to avoid delays to you receiving your money.

[Rooster-UK]

Hi Sazafraz.

 

While you are waiting for your statements, have a good read up of the FAQs and the library sections.

They are an absolute mine of information, and will answer most of your questions.

 

Good luck with your claim.

[sazafraz]

Thanks to all for the welcome. It's so good to see people taking a stand for what is rightfully theirs.

Anyway, I received a letter back from Barclays (re. my request for list of charges etc.) which said:

We refer to your letter... bank is under no obligation to present info according to any particular format. ... bank is providing copy statements on a complimentary basis hence your payment is returned.... then it goes on about manual intervention...... data protection act does not oblige the bank to comment about internal policies and procedures....

signed by Peter Townsend, Manager, Barclays Data Protection.

 

So I shall wait for my statements to arrive and take it from there. I have been usuing the templates from the library which I find really helpful, and am reading up a little each night to help me understand all the jargon.

Will let you all know how I get on.....

Oh before I forget, when you give banks a time limit eg 7 days, does that mean 7 working days or normal days?

[big blue one]

i beleive it would be working days.

[sazafraz]

thanks

[blueskies]

The standard time limits on the template letters are all 14 days. I would say that is 2 weeks rather than 14 working days. A bank is a large enough organisation that should be able to consider their position and reply within the time limit.

 

This is YOUR case and YOU set the timetable here, don't let the banks fob you off with a standard reply saying they will respond within 1 month/6 weeks/8 weeks or whatever time they tell you.

 

If you are firm with them then they will know you mean business

[sazafraz]

Just wanted to know:

My boyfriend had a barclayloan a few years ago, barclays messed up with payments, so loan account went into arrears. As a result of this, he had to get a resolve loan. The loan has since been paid/cleared, but if he wants to get staments from it, does he have to write 2 seperate SAR letters ( 1 to original loan account, + 1 to resolve loan account), or will 1 SAR letter for both accounts be ok?

Any advice would be appreciated,

Thanks.

[Michael Browne]

The SAR relates to the subject ie your b/f, not accounts. So 1 DPA + 1 £10 fee. Mention any a/c numbers.

[sazafraz]

Thankyou Michael

[sazafraz]

quick question that I couldn't find the answer to in the faq section:

can i claim bank charges that haven't put me over my overdraft limit ?

[blueskies]

You can reclaim all charges. Whether they put you over the overdaft limit or not.

[sazafraz]

Thanks Blue, I wanted to make sure just in case Barclays laugh at me !!

[sazafraz]

In the S.A.R. letter, it says please supply list of transactions and charges relating to my banking history with your organisation. It doesn't say send charges for the last 6 years, does this matter or will the bank know to send 6 years worth?

[sazafraz]

So, should I send another SAR letter stating 6 years, or leave it? what do you think?

[Michael Browne]

The DPA covers your entire banking history from when you opened the a/c. Obviously the banks know why you're asking for them and as a rule will send you the last 6 years, which is all you really want. No need for another letter

[sazafraz]

Day 26 and still no statements, but waiting patiently. My time will come !

[sazafraz]

Right, day 30 and still no statements. Rang customer services today 08457 555555, and spoke to a lady who agreed they have to provide info within 40 days, and told me to ring back if I haven't received them by day 40.

Have I done the right thing by phoning them? or should I send a reminder in writing?

[sazafraz]

Decided to give Peter Townsend a ring today, and he told me they will speed up my request for statements and send them tomorrow for me. Should receive Monday at the latest apparently. aaahhhh isn't that nice of him ! He obviously cares about us afterall !

[sazafraz]

Ok, ringing Townsend seems to have done the trick. I have now received 6 years worth of statements. I have had a look through and found lots of paid referrals, and some unauthorised overdraft fees. What I want to know is : where it says "interest charged", can I claim this back as well, or not. I have looked for the answer to this, but can't find it, so if anyone can help me out I'd be very grateful. I can then get on and send my prelim letter.

[misspickles]

My reply to this is based on the assumption you have an overdraft and pay interest every month . . . .

The thinking is that the interest you paid would have been less if you hadnt any charges. ie if overdraft is £500 and yet that month you have had you have £100 worth of charges, then part of the interest you were charged on the £500 is recoverable, as really your overdraft should only be £400 without the unlawful charges.

So to help you work this out there is a really good, spreadsheet in the library, which will work it all out for you as long as you fill in the correct information.

hope ive explained myself ok

Miss P x

[sazafraz]

Thanks Miss Piackles, I found the spreadsheet, and I am halfway through the calculations, so will post when I'm done.

[sazafraz]

Today I sent off my preliminary letter, recorded delivery, so barclays have got until wed. 30th aug. to redress the financial balance. If not the LBA will be gracing their doorsteps.

[sazafraz]

Quick response to my prelim letter from Barclays. A standard letter with a complaints leaflet from Mike Brophy informing me that he will contact me again by 13th september. Since the 14 day time limit will be up on 31st august, I think Mr. Brophy better invest in a pair of trainers, cos if I don't hear by then he'll be receiving my LBA !