Credit card application

[wills7]

I've recently discovered my local branch have applied for a credit card for me without my authorisation - i was turned down but is there anything i can do about this fraudulent practise?

[isidore]

Not that I am disputing what you are saying but it's always a good place to start.....evidence!! How can you prove this??

[wills7]

Because they have admitted so!

[gizmo111]

How did you find out about this and why would the ydo that?

[wills7]

I went in to the local branch to pay a cheque in, i was given a cc application form which is still un filled in in my kitchen. A week later i recieved a letter from the cc company saying ' thank you for you application, blah blah blah, unfortunatley you've been turned down.. etc..

So i rang the cc compnay who told me to ring the bank. I did, i eexplained i hadn't applied and they said someone in the bank must have done it and they would investgate who's computer had been used and who was logged in... i'm a bit peeved now as it's on my credit file and i don;t know what to do or if i could sue the bank for data protection?

[isidore]

Wow! Unbelievable!

 

Well there is certainly plenty you can do I'm sure although I'll leave you in the hands of mr gizmo here.

[wills7]

How would i go about complaining - what would be my first post of call?

[wills7]

Anyone?

[superward]

Well, first point of call would be the branch again. Give them a chance to try a sort the situation out. If they can't, won't or don't give you a satisfactory response the they will "stalemate" your complaint. It then moves to the next stage which is then making an official complaint (the numbers and address for the CRU unit are stickied on the Contacts section in this thread - it's the same place all the charges comlaints go to)

 

The search can be removed from your credit file but it is RBS who need to instruct Experian and the other agencies to do it. They won't have a problem doing this if they accept they were in the wrong. The fact that somebody did this without you knowing is another matter - it would be your call how you want to deal with that side of the complaint.

 

gizmo111 - I think somebody would do this to help them in their credit card sales targets unfortunately. From what I know about RBS branches, through working there in the past and knowing people working there now, it's more about sales than service. RBS aren't alone though, most banks are the same.

[isidore]

Well I will offer my two pence worth even though I said I didn't really know.

 

Firstly, when did you make your complaint originally (specific date)? This is relevant for escalating your complaint if they don't respond.

 

I would as superward says continue your complaint with the branch stating what conditions you require in order to resolve your complaint. They will be a) the footprint (footprint is the entry that says they made a search on your file) is removed from your credit file b) the account entry is removed from your credit file c) an explanation is provided as to why this happened and what has been done about it d) some form of compensation is provided (optional and I'm not entirely sure if you are entitled to this but guess it's worth throwing in even if they say no).

 

I would also state that you intend to escalate this to FOS (I think the FOS would be the appropriate place although I would appreciate it if someone could give me their opinion) if they do not resolve this matter promptly.

 

Whatever you do from now on, do it in writing. If everything has been done on the phone previous, reference to it in your letters. IE, following on from our conversation on [the date of your first complaint].

 

Basically, RBS have 8 weeks in which to resolve your complaint before you can escalate this to the FOS. I would however, be looking at what other damage you can do (if you want to). The FSA for starters, maybe the press? There are lots of options available to you, this is really out of order and RBS should get a spanking for it.

[wills7]

Thanks for that - i am going to take this all the way

[isidore]

Good

 

 

I think the press is always the best place for maximum damage.

[wills7]

I do work for regional news so my letter has been sent on headed paper!!

[wills7]

Update: Having spoke to a solicitor and the police i have been told to push ahead with legal proceedings in this matter as it is classed as fraud in the eyes of the law. I have given the bank ample oppotunity to reply to me and resolve the matter but as they have not a feel obliged to take the matter further.

[wills7]

Can anyone advise what i would put in 'paticulars of claim' on my court form?