MFI/ Blackhorse (allegedly) forged signatures on credit application

[Aztec]

Hi,

 

We purchased our kitchen, bathroom and various other furniture from MFI to the tune of almost 15K and took credit facilities from blackhorse for that. When we received our first statement we were quite surprised to see that they had added payment protection charges. We were quite sure that we had not asked for payment protection and so called them. Blackhorse customer services sent us a copy of the application form we had signed which showed that my husbands signature had been crossed out where it said NO for payment protection, initialled and another signature(similar to my husbands) had been put in place of YES for payment protection. There was also another place where my husbands signature had been signed for no apparent reason. We got in touch with the manager at MFI who had processed our order and application and she confirmed that she was absolutely sure we had said NO as we had discussed that briefly with her before signing NO and she had signed the form after that.

We then sent sent a letter out to Blackhorse and MFI with copies of the application fom that we had and what Blackhorse had sent out.

A few weeks later we received a letter from Sterling Insurance who were investigating the case. After 2 months we have received the final investigation report( they sent us some letters inbetween saying they were still investigating) which says that they have inconclusive evidence of how the alleged forgery happened and that their investigations show that it was an isolated incident and are offering us 50 pounds compensaton for inconvenience caused to us. They say that it did not happen at Sterling or MFI and it is a matter for blackhorse.

In the meantime we did not pay the direct debit payment for the first installment of the loan and have been getting letters from blackhorse(and also payed DD returned charges to bank...but now that i have found this site I am working on it) threatning to report us to the credit reference agencies if we don't pay. We have howevr payed the second installment as we were unsure of what to do. third installment due in a few days.

We are absolutely furious that something as big as (allegedly) forging signatures on an application form based on which money is being charged can be dismissed so easily.

 

Can anyone provide some guidance as to what we can do further to pursue this matter in an appropriate way.

 

Thank you.

[callumsgran]

copy your documents and send them to trading standards and OFT along with a letter explaining whats happened, conyinue with payments as you dont want to be defaulted along with everything else, good luck

[blazing-badger]

Sod the OFT. Possibe forgery is a serious criminal offence for which you can go to jail. Go to your local police station and report the crime (make sure you get an incident or crime ref. number)

 

That should concentrate Blackhorse's minds. You might also point out to them that it is also an offence to attempt to procure money by deception, and make an unwarranted demand with menaces.

 

Hope this helps

 

B-B;-)

[blacksheep1979]

If you really wanted to push this I think it would invalidate the loan agreement - would have a chat with a good solicitor and see what they say

[elizabeth1]

Isn't that naughty??

 

I would go police and seriously damage this company for this as it is (allegedly) seriously fraud and all the things other posters wrote - it is awful that they have tried this on with you!!

 

I would push this case as far as you can - and aim at voiding the loans etc.. as it sure is nasty for you that they did this to you!!

 

There was a time where I believed Banks and loan companies were honest etc.. but right now - my beliefs are so different now - not many that can be trusted are there? Seems like the customers are never right? :?

[Bookworm]

Please, please, please can we tread easy on the words used here and qualify them with an "allegedly" where needed.

 

Until it has proven in a court of law, the allegation of fraud is only that, an allegation, and posters put themselves and this site at risk of libel accusations.

 

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.