Responeded once I woke them up!

[finman]

more interest!! they do have the nack of filing at the 11th hour

[Guest Alison82]

I think so judging by what others have said

[Guest Alison82]

I have just recived confirmation that Lloyds is defending my claim! I'm a bit worried now I know they will probably back out at the last min but what if they don't!

 

They are saying it is for a service (I have emailed Dave and BF so hopefully they can help me) but any advice from anyone else would be appricated. It has been moved to a court near me which is good. I have until the 24th to send back the questionaire

 

I may need a buddy if it comes to it

[commando]

Come on Alison dont loose your nerve that's exactly what they want. Do not be intimadated either, fight the bully's. We are talking the talk and we will walk the walk to get our money back. I'm sure what you want will be on the door matt soon. Good luck and keep us informed, we are all with you.

[reload]

Remember Alison82: Don't blink!

 

As you say - more likely than not they will back out at the last minute. There's plenty of support available here, we're all thinking of you and willing to support you as much as we can. Good luck and keep us informed!

[lancsman]

Keep the faith my dear it seems most people get to this position with Lloyds my time is creeping up too.

 

Best of determination everyone....

[ChelseaGirl]

Is there any update to this???

 

Fingers crossed for you

 

Chelseagirl

[Guest Alison82]

After all these claims are over I don't want to use high street bank accounts again, can anyone sugguest a hassle free alternative (internet, post office, basic amd thing else that I am unaware of).

[trundlecat]

I'm personally going to design & use a "Money Bra", same priciple as a money belt but an instant boob job at the same time. Pay day = H Cup.... day before pay day = AA Cup (2 x 10 pence pieces)

 

Sorry I don't have any useful info, sure someone will be along with some soon.

[neilloffhagen]

Smile run by the Co-Op is one option. Still fairly large, but quite high street. No branches, all on-line. Pay interest (3.05% - not huge but more than most of the high street banks) on all money in your current account, free overdraft for first year of £500, that's free of being charged to arrange it, not free from interest I've opened one ready in case my bank decides to close my account. But I might just start to use it anyway.

[mahala]

I moved to smile last year from Barclays and I couldn't be happier with them.

 

I've not had any charges from them or anything, because banking with them seems so much easier, and they are friendly too - unlike the staff at barclays who give the impression it might kill them to be polite.

 

Being part of the Co-op, smile are an "ethical" bank too - that is to say that they don't invest money in unethical industries, such as the arms industry.

[dave]

Where is the 'easy-jet' of banking when you need it?

[Don Quioxte]

Where is the 'easy-jet' of banking when you need it?

 

My bank causes me enough headache without all the cashiers being dressed in bright orange, and having my ATMs located in inaccessible fields miles from the nearest town.

[fruitycar]

How do you pay into an online account? e.g. Smile

[Seminole]

I have an extremely basic UK personal bank account, a savings account with an Electron debit card and a prepaid UK Mastercard. Most of my real banking is done offshore. It's not always convenient but I will NEVER EVER be subject to another UK bank charge.

[seylectric]

How do you pay into an online account? e.g. Smile

 

That's the only problem with an online account, you have to have another account to transfer the funds from. You can send cheques in by post but you are chancing on them getting lost and the subsequent hassle of trying to get a replacement cheque.

 

If the cheque that went missing in the post was of low value, forget it. The person who issued the cheque might have to pay a £20 or so fee to have it "stopped".

 

Four out of twenty-six posted cheques, all of low value, went missing in the post in a three month period and for this reason I closed my Smile account.

 

That said, you can now pay in at the Post Office, that wasn't an option when I had my Smile account, and I have to admit they were always as polite and helpful as they could be.

[thewifeandI]

My bank causes me enough headache without all the cashiers being dressed in bright orange, and having my ATMs located in inaccessible fields miles from the nearest town.

 

You'd also have to take your own money!

 

Cheers.

[Guest Alison82]

Can anyone give any advice on how to challenge a 'service defence' in court?

[Movingon]

First of all, ask them what service is being provided for the charge - they will have difficulty explaining their actions as a service to the satisfaction of a judge. Secondly, point out that if it IS a charge for a service then under the Sale of Goods and Services Act 1984 the charge has to be reasonable; if they would just explain the process they used to arrive at a charge for this "service..."?

 

Again they'll have a problem - nobody - BUT NOBODY could pass this off as a reasonably priced "service" in court. They know it; which is why they're NOT GOING TO MAKE YOU GO TO COURT.

[Guest Alison82]

Hi, still going!

I am just filling in my questionaire (going to post it today). Ther is a bit for other information for the judge, I was going to write the following

 

 

I have an account Lloyds TSB since 15th March 1999; prior to that I had a young person account (11 plus). During this time I have incurred charges for exceeding my overdraft limit due to cheques being cleared without sufficient funds in the account, unauthorised overdraft fees, direct debits being dishonoured (and in some cases honoured). At present I currently have an arrangement with you where I pay £18 on the 1st of every month, this £18 is to cover charges that Lloyds TSB have put on this account over the past year which has now taken me over my overdraft limit and has affected my credit rating. I have found this quite a struggle as until recently I was working 1 day a week and earning approx £245, as I was a full time student. I have been researching relevant information regarding default charges and I now understand that they are infact unlawful as penalty charges as they do not reflect pre-estimated losses. I have continued to communicate with Lloyds TSB regarding this matter to obtain a refund of my charges but they are unwilling to do so which is why I now feel the need to make a claim through the courts.

 

 

Is this ok or is ther no need?

[jimfishybob]

As it happens with Smile being part of the co-op bank you can use co-op high street branches for all normal over-the counter facilities, (i.e paying-in, withdrawls etc...)

 

Be warned though, Smile are good at customer service but if you go outwith their T&C's you'll get stung like a manta ray.

 

O/D charges:- £15 'Service' Charge then £5 per day + debit interest

Unpaid items:- £20

 

There are loads of others but I can't quite remember them now. I'm also currently investigating the possibility that these charges are taken out at times of the month so as to increase the chance of you going into your unauthorised overdraft the following month, but i've got nothing substantial as yet.

 

Needless to say, i'm currently claiming from them.

[Guest Alison82]

Whoo-oo! I have just come back fom hoilday to find a letter from Martineau Johnson saying that Lloyds wish to settle! There are some conditions,

1. that it is credited to my account

2. that I stay within my limit

3. that this is a full and final settlement and can't claim again arising out of this situation

4. this remains confidential

 

I know you are going to say accept no conditions, but I am not planning on using the account again and want the money sooner rather that later, so I'm going to accept, 1077.77 to me!!!

 

Capital One have also offered to settle 200.

Natwest say their goodwill offer of half is all that I am getting.

Halifax say no to refund and default removal, so off to court we go!!

 

Thanks for all your support!

[reload]

Way to go Alison

 

Don't forget to donate to the site!

[Guest]

This topic was closed on 03/05/19.

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