gazzah v cooperative bank ** WON **

[gazzah]

As I've been reading messages on here for a few weeks now thought I'd add my own details to keep you posted of progress etc.

 

Fortunately I've kept all my statements down the years so didn't have to go down the DPA route. Totted them up and was amazed that it came to £2052, just for keeping my account in check !! I've used the initial letter from the templates asking them for a refund etc and sent that on the 9th June to the Balloon St address, however have not received a reply yet. Is it worth giving them a ring to check they are dealing or just give them the two weeks before sending the lba letter. Will keep you posted.

[Janet-M]

Hi and Welcome

 

graet to hear you have prepared yourself properly by having a good read around before you start

 

I would not phone them just wait until the time is up then send the LBA.

 

please keep us posted on your progress

[gazzah]

Received standard sorry to hear you are unhappy with our service letter in the post yesterday. The letter was dated the 15th June and asking for 7 working days to get back to my request. Will give them until Monday before sending lba.

[gazzah]

Second letter from Co-op arrived today. I quote, "Thank you for your letter dated 8 June 2006. I am sorry you have had to write to us and for the delay in my reply. I can understand your frustration about the charges on your account. so we can fully investigate your claim for a refund I will provide you with a response within the next 6 weeks. Looks like a trip to the post office on monday to send my lba registered. One question though, now I have a name I assume its best to send everything addressed to that person now.

[Janet-M]

Yes .Sorry I never saw your other post where you where giving them the time they asked for as this is a delaying tactic .Always stick to the time limit you set.

[gazzah]

Thanks, LBA sent by registrered post today to the named person, can't wait to see if they reply. Roll on 2 weeks time.

[Tigs33]

Excellent stuff, I have just sent three letters, one to Abbey and two to HSBC (didn't have to go down the DPA route either which is good) they now have 12 days before I send the LBA

[colink]

Yep Had the "we will get back to you within SIX weeks" too, LBA sent and now time is up.

 

[gazzah]

colink, have put your claim in yet. I need to do mine next Tuesday. or have you had any communication from them.

[colink]

Ive had nothing at all since the "six weeks and we might get back to you letter"

 

will be putting the claim in this week !

[gazzah]

Had a letter confirming full refund of my charges this morning. No need to put money claim in as they've rolled over straight away. Usual details on letter saying charges in line with t&C however will make refund as gesture of goodwill , yeah right... Survey has been completed and donation on its way. Now have the cash to fund all my other claims, can't wait.

[gazzah]

Just one questions any idea how long it might be before they decide to shut down my account or don't you think they will bother

[gazzah]

bump

[Tigs33]

I would have thought you will know within a month if they are going to shut your account down. Did you get a parachute account ready?

[Janet-M]

CONGRATULATIONS

[gazzah]

Tigs, didn't bother as I have another account with Smile already, but having just put SAR letter into Smile so didn't want to have them both closed down at the same time if they decide to start getting stroppy with me. I'm assuming that Smile & the co-op would have to make independent decisions even though they are basically the same company.

[cheshirecat]

Tigs, didn't bother as I have another account with Smile already, but having just put SAR - (Subject Access Request) letter into Smile so didn't want to have them both closed down at the same time if they decide to start getting stroppy with me. I'm assuming that Smile & the co-op would have to make independent decisions even though they are basically the same company.

 

I think you will find that both accounts are governed by their T&C's. I have had a thirty day letter to close my account, as I had £1331.50 refunded in January and had about another 6 transgressions since.

 

Not particularly bothered about closing the account, but in order to take back the control I wrote and informed them that I am working in Europe until atleast mid September and would be unable to acede to their request until at least then. Ms Burgess then responded saying I had until 31 October! At least I am in charge then!!!

[pootle]

Congrats! to gazzah and cheshirecat.

 

It's interesting that there doesn't seem to be any rhyme or reason as to why some people's claims are refunded with minimal hassle, while others have more of a struggle. I mean, maybe if claims were under for example £1k, the bank might refund these with less hassle, but it would appear not.

 

And as for closing accounts, pah! That really doesn't seem on, does it? I'm putting a claim in for £580 today from the co-op, so we'll just have to see how it goes I guess...

[gazzah]

thanks pootle and goodluck on your claim. Looking back on my charges, I haven't had any since last October so hopefully that could have shown them i was managing the account ok However I'm not too sure about my smile account, I don't view it online as they denied me access due to keying wrong pasword etc in and I haven't bothered resetting it, due to this I don't keep track of it like I should and seem to be getting hit for £60-£70 a month. I now see it as a savings plan since I found this site and am just waiting for DPA request to be answered before sending my request for a refund off

[pootle]

That's a good point well made about how you manage your account afterwards.

 

Looking back through my statements though, it seems like the charges come in clusters i.e one charge has had a tendency to f**k up my budgeting and then lead to more and more of a mess. Really, if charges were fairer, it would be so much easier to manage my finances.

 

Anyway...fingers crossed innit!