AAAh....This Is A Mine Field Of Info, Where Do I start?

[webbscatering]

Right, this question has probably been asked countless time but here goes. Where do I start????

I have just purchased the book and the claims pack (awaiting delivery) what can i do whilst i am waiting, is there a standard letter i can send to my bank to get the ball rolling. I feel like a child in a toy store, Im so excited even if i get no money at least I can be a major pain in the butt to my bank.

[Michael Browne]

Welcome.

First you need to calm down. This is serious and you need to know what you're doing

 

Before you start please have a thorough read of the FAQs (there's a Step by Step guide here too). You may want to print these out to refer to later

 

Then look at other threads in your bank's forum, so as you know what you can expect to happen

 

You need to spend 2 or 3 days gradually getting your head round everything.

 

There's a lot to take in, but it's time well spent and will ensure that you succeed in your claim without problems

 

This is a self-help forum and you must be prepared to put in time and effort. It is your claim, your money and you cannot expect others to do all the work for you.

 

When you feel confident that you understand the process and the various stages involved, start a new thread in your bank's forum and post your progress and any questions there and you'll get plenty of help

 

Lots of info and links here:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/hsbc-bank/20211-newcomer-then-please-feel.html

 

Good luck

 

 

Finally please heed the words of warning here and make sure it doesn't happen to you:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/abbey-bank/announcement-center-bankfodder-very-sick.html

[webbscatering]

Hi Micheal,

thanks for your reply... seriously im cool about things. Now I have a platform I can start the wheels in motion, going with the general consensus the banks have been allowed access to easy money what you, me and thousand others struggle to earn week by week or monthly. I actually got talking to someone in my pub who told me about this, but being a proud person like most refused to mention my ongoing problems with my bank. I reckon the bank have charged me about £300 and over a month for the past 6 years and I have worked 7 days a week without a holiday just to keep my business afloat, whilst these bast**d filter my money away so thay can enjoy fat salaries and bigger corperate entertainment funds. My retribution come from deep inside and if it cost me in the process so be it, but one thing for sure I dont lose. People of the forum never be afraid to stand up for what you believe is right and fair, never be bullied by Fat Cat corporates who feel they are bigger than gods own planet. One thing I do know is when i have challenged big companies in court the court favours the little man.

 

Peace and Good Luck To All

[Michael Browne]

Fine, I just didn't want you to rush headlong into anything. But the rest of my post holds good, so please do plenty of reading.

[reload]

Can't really do much except reiterate what Michael has written. So, I'll paste my clicky-link what to do post

 

As mentioned, take a look at the FAQ section, in particular the Frequently Asked Questions, the Step-by-Step Instructions, and the Rules of Engagement.

 

When you are familiar with these, you should then take a look at the Bank Templates Library, copy the letter you need to your word processor of choice, crack your knuckles, and get editing

[webbscatering]

HI guys, I have never read some much snce my college days...phew there's a lot of good reading here. Quick one, can i go after a bank that closed my account down this year??

[reload]

Yep, without a doubt you can. However, bear in mind the Statute of Limitations - only the previous 6 years in England/Wales and 5 years in Scotland.

[webbscatering]

sorry forgot to mention - i requested that they pay back my charges, but got back what appeared to be a standard letter which gave the usual spiel. This was in january 2006 can i follow on with the LBA this late in the day?

[Michael Browne]

Do you know all your charges for the last 6 years? In Jan did you ask for a refund of specific figure?

[webbscatering]

no it was a specific figure

[Michael Browne]

There are 2 logical answers to: did you ask for a specific figure:

1 No, not a specific figure

2 Yes, a specific figure

 

and you answer, no it was a specfic figure! Go figure.

A little clarification needed.

[webbscatering]

Sorry, what happened was a large cheque was clearing through the account, which was showing on the system as uncleared items. For unknown reasons the direct debits went through early and low n behold and surprise they bounced. It was 9 D/D's which cost me £270 in charges, to put it lightly I was savage. So a letter was sent demanding they give it back to me as it was an unfair practice and out of the realms of good business sense. That is when I got their reply full of bovine crap.

[Michael Browne]

Right. If you don't know all the charges in the last 6 years you need to send a DPA request + £10 fee here:

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bank-templates-library/

 

They have 40 days, so you'll have plenty of time to read the FAQs and step by step guide and other threads so you are prepared for the next steps.

[webbscatering]

Hi Guys, progrees so far, Data Protection Letter gone off recorded delivery to LLoyds TSB along with the tenner and Prelim gone to Natwest along with schedule of charges. Now the wait i suppose. I hav'nt posted for a while because all my answers have been on this site so no need to bother anyone just yet. Cheers kev

[webbscatering]

Hi Everyone,

just got the documents requested from my DPA, what a nightmare there is a stack of paperwork to get through....Looks like ill be burning the midnight oil for a bit. But with the help of this forum all my questions should be answered in the usual positive way, Cheers Kev

[webbscatering]

Can I claim back the "service charge" or "Bus Focus Fee"?

[webbscatering]

Hi all, need clarification on two issues, can i claim back the "service charge" or the "Bus Focus Fee"??

[webbscatering]

What the Best course of action because I am chasing LLoyds for £10.945

[bearo]

No sadly you cannot claim back service charges or business management fees i.e focus fees, only unawful penalties.

Even though we all know there isnt much you get in return for your biz focus fee.....!!

 

How much are you reclaiming? Can you clarify and we can direct you from there.

[webbscatering]

combined charges which include Unauthorised Borrowing fees and returned cheques, standing orders and DD's,

[bearo]

yes i know but you have a figure up there which looks strange £10.945

 

is that 10 thousand or 10 pounds?

[webbscatering]

opps sorrry £10, 945.00p ten thousand nine hundred and forty five pounds, when i calculated this i was nearly sick, thats the figure round about the HM Customs were going to bankrupt me for!!!

[bearo]

Ok in that case, to stay within the small claims court you need to split your claim into three (I am assuming this is all without interest being added on?)

 

The way to split your claim is like this

 

Take your charges that go the furthest back and make a schedule of charges up from the termplates section http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/bank-templates-library/182-6-interest-calculation-spreadsheets.html when you get to five grand in charges stop, that is your first claim,

 

At this point you are NOT including the 8% interest that you can claim if you issue a small claim (as you will most definately will have to with Lloyds)

 

Now do the same again and then again until you have most probably three seperate spreadsheet, two with 5k of charges and the other with £400 odd.

 

You need to keep your claims seperate as if you file a small claim and lloyds see the three claims belonging to you they can then apply for them to be put together which may bring you out of small claims and into a court in which you can be liable for costs, so ensure although you can request a return of all monies at the moment that you do not file for the whole amount at small claims in one go!

 

Does that make sence?

 

Any clarification needed pls let me know!!

[webbscatering]

Thats crystal clear, so if i file one on monday and say the other on wednesday, that will keep them well apart or should i do them a week apart

[bearo]

no you can send all your letters at the same time just make sure you dont file small claims at the same time - it doesnt matter until you get to that stage!