Advent Computer Training (Barclays Partner Finance)Info and discussion thread

[Jeanne5273]

I've been dealing with a lady called 'Justine' for the past couple of months at the BPF office in Glasgow trying to get them to make a decision on my complaint that I lodged with them on the 1st of February. I gave them medical evidence from my GP to say I would be unable to complete the course due to illness (I asked Advent to cancel it back in Sep of last year for the same reason). I phoned today to see if they could finally give me an answer and I was told that Justine no longer worked there and that she'd been made redundant. Apparently some of their work has now moved to an office in Cardiff. The lady I spoke to had no knowledge of something I've been trying to get sorted for the past six months and said that it could be a while before they get back to me due to the amount of backlogged work they have.

 

I was railroaded into signing the contract with Advent back in Sep 2008. I never began the course due to illness, in fact I haven't received one single thing and since Sep 2009 BPF have taken nearly £2,600 out of my bank account. I cancelled my direct debit last week because I simply cannot survive financially if it continues and I have now waited ten months for a decision on whether the contract can be cancelled and a refund paid.

 

My GP told BPF that the stress from all of this is not only worsening my health now but that it could also cause a relapse of my condition if they carry on with it and they still haven't bothered to do anything about it.

 

I am at my wit's end. :(

[lowdown]

It will be something the lawyer representing the group action will be interested in if an adjudicator is ruling in Barclays favour!

 

FOS will favour the banks - thats what they do...they dont like to upset them.....

However a court of Law looks at facts in a more detailed way.

100's of FOS adjudications have been overturned in court, and Barclays are one of their biggest victims - thats why Barclays dont like court cases.:grin:

[cashins]

and I was told that Justine no longer worked there and that she'd been made redundant. Apparently some of their work has now moved to an office in Cardiff.

 

She will be having some company.

 

By the end of August the Glasgow office will be gone, along with the rest of the 350 staff.

 

I'm sure we will miss them.

 

David

[cashins]

FOS will favour the banks - thats what they do...they dont like to upset them.....

 

Complaints data

 

According to the FOS figures they find in favour of the customer in 65% of Barclays cases refered to them.

 

David

[Fuzzbutt]

FOS will favour the banks - thats what they do...they dont like to upset them.....

However a court of Law looks at facts in a more detailed way.

100's of FOS adjudications have been overturned in court, and Barclays are one of their biggest victims - thats why Barclays dont like court cases.:grin:

 

Yes, FOS are supposed to be an independant body but I somehow doubt that if much of their funding comes from banks! A lot seems to hinge on the personal opinion of the adjudicator as well (I was told by Trading Standards the decision you get can vary due to this, some being more experienced and knowledgible than others, although you can appeal their decision to the Ombudsman him/herself apparently if you think your adjudicator got it wrong).

 

For Dinky's adjudicator to speak in Barclays favour (I had a direct email from someone else telling me the same - was that you Dinky, I guess?) is outrageous when we all know there is no justification for it.

 

We've got 'em on Breach of contract S75, and they can't argue with the law, nevermind all the issues of like-for (not!)-like with CT and mis-selling and misrepresentation in the first place by Advent when we signed up for these courses, which will surely invalidate them!

 

In court, they will fall - and I'm sure they know it. Hausfeld would not have taken this on the terms they have if they didn't think our case would stand.

 

So, Barclays! I'd relish a day in court personally to see the floor wiped with these faceless vampires! Bring 'em on!

[lowdown]

Complaints data

 

According to the FOS figures they find in favour of the customer in 65% of Barclays cases refered to them.

 

David

 

Interesting to see that data was published by FOS, and not independent..lol

[Eagle1905]

Hey all just had another call from barclays, same old rubbish. she said I am still obliged to pay Barclays as it was a loan. I replied with it wasnt a loan cos I never touched the money. I mentioned that Barclays had pulled the funding and she replied no it was Advent that went into recievership. Anyway she said they had give us computeach which I said is unsuitable. I told her that im not paying for something I aint getting, her reply was well thats your choice. I then said to her well how is that my choice as I have been told I have to go with computeach. To that she didnt reply. Then she just said phone calls will continue so I mentioned harrassement to which she replied bye.

Sorry bout long post

[cHankin]

nic work eagle,u got her messed up,even she knows its wrong

[Eagle1905]

Im just waiting to see if I get anymore calls.

[cashins]

Im just waiting to see if I get anymore calls.

 

From Glasgow,mabey until the end of July by which time most will have joined their friends in redundancy.

 

Then you can expect Mercers and Cardiff to carry on.

 

David

[Coventry 1987]

Hey all just had another call from barclays, same old rubbish. she said I am still obliged to pay Barclays as it was a loan. I replied with it wasnt a loan cos I never touched the money. I mentioned that Barclays had pulled the funding and she replied no it was Advent that went into recievership. Anyway she said they had give us computeach which I said is unsuitable. I told her that im not paying for something I aint getting, her reply was well thats your choice. I then said to her well how is that my choice as I have been told I have to go with computeach. To that she didnt reply. Then she just said phone calls will continue so I mentioned harrassement to which she replied bye.

Sorry bout long post

I was getting 4 or 5 calls a day up until last Thursday when they agreed to put my calls on hold for 30 days (not my account I will still get my £22.50 bonus added on) while looking for my letters I have sent by recorded delivery which I have printed copies of the signatures....it amazes me how they manage to lose them all!! Basically they are using delaying tactics to keep adding these charges!!

[SuperMom9381]

 

Me and my husband are having a hell of a time with Barclays and although it sounds awful to say this (as I would not wish this hell on anyone else) I am glad to hear that we are not the only people who are

a) going through the dispute with Barclays

b) not happy with their only solution to Advent going bust ie; Computeach.

 

We have written three letters to Barclays about this situation, that my husband, who was the one who signed up for the course, is not happy with the offer or Computeach and that as Advent are responsible for this mess then they should be the one's to pay for it all. We are both getting very stressed by the level and frequency of the calls that we are receiving from Barclays bank regarding mised payments (even though we were told that our account would be put on hold whilst are complaint was being dealt with.) which has resulted in my asthma becoming very bad at the moment. My husband is still unemployed as he gave up his job abroad so that he could do this course as he wanted a career that meant he'd be working in the UK.....

 

Barclays just don't care at all....they haven't even attempted to answer any letters that we have sent them and just seem hell bent on getting their money back

 

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE OR ANY POINTS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR SOME DECENT ADVICE??

[steven4064]

Supply of goods and services act 1982

[Eagle1905]

Well I have had yet another call from Barclays, I told them exactly the same as Ive told them before. They seem to be getting a little more aggressive now which im not happy about. Basically today they have told me that they will be sending a debt collector round as I owe them money. I told them they cant as this is not my property and they said yes we can. They also told me their calls are not harrassement as I owe them money. So im fuming again and may end up doing something I may later regret.

[cashins]

Well I have had yet another call from Barclays, I told them exactly the same as Ive told them before. They seem to be getting a little more aggressive now which im not happy about. Basically today they have told me that they will be sending a debt collector round as I owe them money. I told them they cant as this is not my property and they said yes we can. They also told me their calls are not harrassement as I owe them money. So im fuming again and may end up doing something I may later regret.

 

You would do yourself a favour if you simply stopped talking to them - just hang up when they call.

 

The people phoning you are low grade collection staff working off a script, sole object to get a payment - for which the get commission to suppliment their crap salary. Don't waste your breath.

 

David

[lowdown]

 

Me and my husband are having a hell of a time with Barclays and although it sounds awful to say this (as I would not wish this hell on anyone else) I am glad to hear that we are not the only people who are

a) going through the dispute with Barclays

b) not happy with their only solution to Advent going bust ie; Computeach.

 

We have written three letters to Barclays about this situation, that my husband, who was the one who signed up for the course, is not happy with the offer or Computeach and that as Advent are responsible for this mess then they should be the one's to pay for it all. We are both getting very stressed by the level and frequency of the calls that we are receiving from Barclays bank regarding mised payments (even though we were told that our account would be put on hold whilst are complaint was being dealt with.) which has resulted in my asthma becoming very bad at the moment. My husband is still unemployed as he gave up his job abroad so that he could do this course as he wanted a career that meant he'd be working in the UK.....

 

Barclays just don't care at all....they haven't even attempted to answer any letters that we have sent them and just seem hell bent on getting their money back

 

DOES ANYONE HAVE ANY ADVICE OR ANY POINTS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION FOR SOME DECENT ADVICE??

 

Look back for some posts from Fuzzbutt - then send a PM to be signed up for the class action against Barclays, Its free.....

They are getting in a bit of a pickle about it.

 

AS far as the phone calls go, dont engage with them...

They are only bonus hunters and target achievers from the call centers.

really not worth bothering with, its all just threats....

[raj4u]

You would do yourself a favour if you simply stopped talking to them - just hang up when they call.

 

The people phoning you are low grade collection staff working off a script, sole object to get a payment - for which the get commission to suppliment their crap salary. Don't waste your breath.

 

David

 

thats the best thing we can do..just hangup their calls. its a complete waste of time to talk to'em. i spoke to them only once and explained all my concerns, the lady seems to be not bothered and demanded for payment and lied that they didn't receive any letters:lol:..since then i can't be asked to speak to those liers..when i spoke to her, i couldn't resist my anger and really had a stressfull night...

[SuperMom9381]

Hi

 

I was wondering if you could give me any information about this legal action that I have heard people mention, along withn your name? My husband is having an on going battle with Barclays and we could really use any advice that anyone might have??

[lowdown]

Well I have had yet another call from Barclays, I told them exactly the same as Ive told them before. They seem to be getting a little more aggressive now which im not happy about. Basically today they have told me that they will be sending a debt collector round as I owe them money. I told them they cant as this is not my property and they said yes we can. They also told me their calls are not harrassement as I owe them money. So im fuming again and may end up doing something I may later regret.

 

As has been said before, a Dept collector has as much power as the Postman. You have not been taken to court and defaulted on court payments, so no bailiff involved.You might want to point that out next time.

 

I think these days dept collectors would think twice about calling at peoples houses, they just do not know is lurking about anymore ...

Just take Cumbria...

Edited June 13, 2010 by lowdown

[joyhouk]

I'm agree with you lowdown, everyday i received their phone call and i ignore them, i have full faith on hausfeld. we will win.

[lowdown]

Hi

 

I was wondering if you could give me any information about this legal action that I have heard people mention, along withn your name? My husband is having an on going battle with Barclays and we could really use any advice that anyone might have??

 

Supermom....

 

Just look back at the posts from Fuzzbutt.Then send a PM to Fuzzbutt

and explain you are an ex Advent student.You will then be given directions..

Its pretty easy really and nothing sinister.

Edited June 13, 2010 by lowdown

[Eagle1905]

Well I think I am going to ignore any further calls from them, its just annoying. I was ignoring them before when they were ringing house phone but they dont bother calling anymore they only ring my mobile now.

Thanks everyone especially Fuzzbutt

[THE ROADIE]

Does anybody have any news from the Financial Ombudsman?! I have a reply from the Adjudicator and he doesn't seem to be on my side. I don't want to do the alternative training with Computeach!

 

I got that impression when the adjudicator spoke to me aswell. She asked for "proof" that Advent guaranteed me a job. I also mentioned to her on the phone that I didn't want to train with compufail, as they weren't like for like and had a really bad rep, and it seemed like she didn't care. So I sent her the a copy Advent Folder/Booklet (with a list of Advents recruitment partners at the back) I got when I signed up at their Bond Street office here in London. Haven't heard anything from them since, and that was nearly a month ago!

[lowdown]

I got that impression when the adjudicator spoke to me aswell. She asked for "proof" that Advent guaranteed me a job. I also mentioned to her on the phone that I didn't want to train with compufail, as they weren't like for like and had a really bad rep, and it seemed like she didn't care. So I sent her the a copy Advent Folder/Booklet (with a list of Advents recruitment partners at the back) I got when I signed up at their Bond Street office here in London. Haven't heard anything from them since, and that was nearly a month ago!

 

When i spoke to FOS, they said once i had a response from BPF.

[ nearly 8 weeks and no response yet]

 

Would it be possible for me to send in also all the Advent stuff...

Plus..here is the good one....

A copy of the Email from PKF [administartors] where it states that some

Advent students could make a claim against BPF under S75.

 

From PKF.......[ we should all have had this - the 2nd email]..

 

5. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 (.CCA.)

We understand that certain BPF Students may be entitled to make claims under the terms

of the CCA.

As indicated previously, we are not in a position to provide any advice on individual

circumstances.

We suggest that any BPF Student who suspects he/she has rights under the CCA should seek

the advice of a lawyer, the Citizens Advice Bureau or some other similar body or

organisation.

Any BPF Student who intends to make a claim under the CCA should contact Barclays

Partner Finance and not Advent, the Administrators or Computeach.

 

Now BPF have told me on telephone the reason they have not responded to my dispute letter is that they need clarification from PKF what that means. [ clearly bull#hit]

 

Two things here...BPF are still winging it.....

And FOS cleary dont understand the guildlines they work by,

why do they need a copy of the email to reach a result either way?

 

 

Me thinks this will have to be thrashed out in court...

[MaMa D]

ALL STUDENTS GO TO THE LINK BELOW

 

external link removed.

 

I have already written to Barclays and am waiting for 8 weeks to be up as (then i will approach the finannial ombudsman as advised by trading standards)they still feel i owe them the money but have advised i can find an alternate provider if i want!!!

 

This link is excellent and show Computeach are also on their way out financially.

 

There are also many cases that have been won and we aeven have the name of the financial ombudsman.

I f we all go through this rout we should be o.k.

Good Luck and keep me posted?

Edited December 31, 2010 by IdaInFife
external link removed