Mr_Fen Vs HSBC

[Mr_Fen]

I have perused this forum for a few months checking out the success stories and seeing everyone get nervous but eventually succeed against the evil multinational institutions. I have seen a few newspaper and magazine arcticles and watched the money Programme 'exclusive' that directly referenced this site, and misquoted it too.

 

I opened my student account when I started uni, HSBC was ecstatic when I had a fat £1500 overdraft.

When I graduated they offered me a graduate loan to get 'bits and pieces' I have cleared my overdraft twice using the lower rate loan only to be talked out of having it removed as its 'interest free' period was for a couple more months.

Its now been 2 years and the fee's and 'service charges' have just been racking up from £25-£75 each month:shock: .

 

I have sent off my first letter claiming back just over £1000, its a startling figure for just 6 years of banking.

 

I'm going for the full amount, the banks don't pull their punches, I don't see why we should either!

[Mr_Fen]

I have sent my first letter on the 13th of December recorded delivery.

I got a lovely letter back with a 'terms and conditions' leaflet in it, Thanking me for my letter and stating they will investigate and might respond in 8 weeks.

 

28th of December I sent my 2nd letter, the 'Letter before Action' giving them a further 14 days to repay my fees. This means HSBC has until the 16/01/07 to repay my unlawful charges.

 

Both letters have contained a full break down with date, amount and statement description.

 

On the 13/01/07 I recieved a nice letter from Colin Langdale asking for a full breakdown of the charges in the format of date, amount and statement description so the HSBC can clearly locate the relevant charges. He requested I include any charges I may have recieved prenotification of also, indicating he has inspected my account and is aware of the 'Total Charge' of £75 the bank added on the 25/12/06 and £111 for the 25/01/07.

 

To file against HSBC in court is going to be £120 in court costs so I am going to give them until the end of the month (when I get paid) to resolve this nicely.

[syrill-sneer]

If I were you I would wait until the £111 charge has gone out and than file an MCOL, as the chances of HSBC offering your full amount is not likely. And don't forget when you file the MCOL you can claim 8% on those charges.

[Mr_Fen]

ok, the £111 has been taken and 'paid for' i have sent the MCOL on the 31/1/07, D&G have filed an Acknowledgement of Service on the 1/02/07.

 

I have until the 28/2/07 until this finishes.

[nettyg]

your mcol fee shouldn't be £120 mr fen, it be a lot lower than that

good luck with it

netty

[lateralus]

think it's 80 - but have you added more charges taking it over 1500? - if not - and it actually charged 120 - i'd ring the court and discuss it.

[Mr_Fen]

hi lateralus, the price list from the court was:

Starting your claim

To issue a claim form where your claim is for money only and the amount is:

up to £300 £30

£300.01 - £500 £50

£500.01 - £1,000 £80

£1,000.01 - £5,000 £120

 

as my value is now closer to £1500 it falls into the £120 bracket. I have added it to my claim amount and i am positive i will be getting it back regardless, thanks for your concern

 

One question i have is the HSBC has charged me another £50 overdraft fee due to be unlawfully claimed on the 26/2/07 I don't think i can add it to this can I, so do i send them a nice letter asking for it to be cancelled or send a letter to D&G?

[lateralus]

i think it may have gone up since i filed. that didn't copy very easily did it??

[nettyg]

you could ask the bank 'nicely' for it to be refunded as a goodwill gesture, sometimes works! if you change your mcol form it costs £35

non-refundable, try hsbc you never know

[Mr_Fen]

Hi Netty,

would a nice letter be best sent to the branch or back to the 'public relations' team? would it be worth sending it to the solicitors?

 

I am a bit wary on the time scale as they haven't entered a defence and ?(i think) i win by default if nothing is submitted by the 28/2/07 (ie tomorrow)

 

They have now put a charge on my joint account so I will be unlawfully charged £94 by the end of March.

[nettyg]

keep the claim a separate issue from the charge you are asking for - stick to your timescales etc with it. i suggest you could write to either your branch or customer relations - why not both. also, try sending an e-message through online banking as this goes directly to a lady called Heidi Daniels who is with the customer relations team.

[lateralus]

don't be too disappointed when they file their defense at 3:58pm tomorrow - happens all the time!