Bank Account Opening

[Stephan56]

I have a query about opening a new bank account. My old bank account was closed due to a fraud allegation. Someone accessed my account while I was out of the country and used it for fraud. When I returned the bank called me and I had to close the account. The police got involved - with the upshot being I am the victim and there was no culpability attached to any of my actions. Notwithstanding that, my orignal bank, NatWest, will not re-open the account. Needless to say, despite a reasonable credit ratiing, I cannot open an account anywhere else. I DID manage to open one (NBationwide) but the day after it was opened I got a letter saying they were "closing it". And before I had even used it. Clearly I am on some kind of "blacklist". Is there any way to "get off" a blacklist? Clearly the account was used for fraud - but not by me. I cannot get any detailed information from the banks. They just say they can decline appliations "at will" and have no obligation to give any reasons. Unfair, but that is the way it is. I fully understand they do not want "fraudsters" as customers - but I am the victim, rather than the perpetrator, and I find myself without a bank account - and all the inconvenience and hassle that entails. I do see ads for accounts with "no credit checks" - but they are expensive etc. I just would be happy with a BASIC Account from the Post Office or a mainstram bank - but no joy. If anyone could give me some guidance on this it woudl be appreciated. Stephan

[pandaspot]

Why don't you have a look at your credit report and have a look what's on there. I know there is a section for reports of fraud on there, after checking, and there is a report of fraud you may have to contact the bank and ask them to take it off your credit file.

 

The cooperative bank do a good basic bank account

[Stephan56]

Thank you for the response. Assuming there IS some designation about fraud on my credit file I am not convinced writing to the bank will do any good. They refused to tell me even why the account was closed - but I got someone to tell me it was fraud related. I have never heard officially from the bank.Rather than just relying on the goodwill of the bank (in very short supply) is there any way to COMPEL them to remove data re me and fraud from the account? Any law on the RIGHT to correct/remove erroneous information? Any lawyers who specialise in this?

[pandaspot]

I am sure if you didn't commit the fraud they shouldn't keep it on your credit file. I dont know about the in and outs of getting entries corrected on your file sorry. Or if there any laws governing it.

 

Hopefully someone will come along soon who has more knowledge. Think the fraud bit on the credit reports comes under cifas, get a 30 day free trial from credit expert and have a look at whats on your file. Equifax and callcredit also do a free trial to see your report

[pistachio]

I know it's standard practice for banks to check Equifax and Experian so I'd say get copies of those, but I don't know what else they check.