Is the bank taking your Benefits ?

[yourbank]

I found this one on MSE and I hope you don't mind me tagging it on this thread.

 

It is a closed petition and response on this topic of bank charges and benefits

Number10.gov.uk » Sections187and45 - epetition response

[yourbank]

i still it might be worth asking the bank to give you a transcript of the call(if they have one, of course).

[yourbank]

THE ABBEY have today taken £145 in one go, in charges from my account which completely wiped out my £110 family credit and left me with £6 to last the rest of the week. This money is supposed to be for myself and my handicapped teenage son coupled with my low weekly wage. When I complained, I felt humilated that I had to BEG for my own money back!

 

Eventually, I was informed in front of other customers that £75 would be put back 'This Time' only. I was told that it dos'nt matter where the money comes from, if it's in my account they will take it if I owe them charges!...Surely our family credit was'nt awarded to swell the coffers of these already bloated banks! I even sent in a 'Right of Appropreation' 3 months ago but it was completely ignored.

When benefits goes into an account it is treated as income, and if bank charges are incurred then they are legitimate(given the OFT test case has yet to be finally completed). However, the Right of Appropriation is very hazy at best and most banks do not seem to have any hard and fast rule even though you have that right.

Surely this underhand 'abhorrent' idea of taking peoples basic living benefits to pay off illegal extortionate bank charges cannot be legal or continue without some sort of FIGHT BACK?

 

pezz1753

 

There is an argument that would say that the charges are the consequence of not covering payments going out. I would say if an account is incurring regular charges that you need to open a parachute account for the benefits in all honesty.

[yourbank]

This behaviour by some jumped up little snotty jobsworth is not only probably a breach of whatever guidelines they have but it's also unlawful as it breached your rights under the DPA - Personally I would go back into the branch demand to see the manager & tell them in no uncertain terms as loudly as possible that you fully intend to report them AND their employee to the ICO - jumped up little twots:mad:

I think perhaps you could make a complaint to their Head Office ie making what is called a grievance against the member of staff. In such difficult a time for you they humiliated you in front of other people rather than offering you privacy ie an interview room, to deal with this issue.

There are some who come on these sites & ask that we be sympathetic to front line staff - "It's not their fault" they bleat - sorry utter nonsense they know full well that what they are doing is if not unlawful at least immoral -

To a point I agree with what you are saying, however, Banks look to try and influence/take over every aspect of your life. Even if bank staff post on internet forums, if they identify themselves, the bank will take action(yes I have examples and I'm not one of them). I used to say that you should be sympathetic but i am on the fence on that issue today. Many staff are simply scared of losing their jobs even though, I can say, the grass is greener on the other side. Having a job or not having a job---that is their choice. Unfortunately not many branch staff have the cajones to do anything.

 

Having listened & been a witness to some of their behaviour I have absolutely no sympathy whatsoever for bank staff who follow the party line & the more who lose their jobs the better I'll like it:lol:

 

Well, obviously I don't agree but I do understand totally what you mean with regards to the last point