Good Afternoon
We have just succeeded with an Ombudsman claim upheld in our full favour.
A refunded claim amount plus interest and a 4 figure compensation amount have been instructed to be paid.
They have also been told to rework our credit files to reflect being in a position where the transactions and any consequences of the transactions didn’t take place.
For us that’s a bit of an open statement as the consequences have been huge.
I’ll use the example:
12 months ago a payment of £5000 should have been refunded to us by the bank. it was reported at the time yet it took 6 months for them to start the process. About 5 months back they pay refund in full advising it’s a refunded payment. We withdraw the much needed money and left the account balance at £0 with intent to close it.
Two weeks later a letter is received advising after completing the investigation they actually hold my partner liable and will reclaim the £5000 payment which they call a temporary refund, having already advised it being a refund payment from the team carrying out the investigation. They provide nothing evidence wise as to why or how she is liable or any explanation as to what’s been looked into.
They withdraw the amount (no overdraft set) and take the account into an-unauthorised overdraft. Despite numerous warning of hardship, and potential for it to affect mine and her credit scores they ignored it and left the account OD. Even requested they hold or freeze account till the complaint was resolved, again ignored.
Month 1 adverse credit marker, month 2,3, 4, 5 same and 6 due soon. Both scores dropped massively. Ombudsman investigation is only into the initial investigation and outcome into the amount reported to the bank.
The bank upheld and ordered as stated above. Now the compensation only takes into account the investigation and outcome of it, and not the actions resulting of short/long term consequence of what their actions caused.
Consequentially the credit scores dropping has prevented finance applications, remortgages and resulting rate increases for both account holders. Adverse markers on the account I believe can still be visible up to 12 years on the account even if removed
How do you put a measure on these consequences and the potential for it to impact for months or longer. My partners credit card had late payments during this period due to the £5000 not being available, could this be argued a consequence too? It’s been a horrible year and the amount of hours she’s put in to this over that period is very extensive which are all consequences with stress and worry over late payment letters etc.
Can anyone help at all and thank you from us, happy to provide any more info needed. For the record the FCA are investigating their conduct, the ICO have a case with them as well and the FO have upheld in our favour. They don’t care!!
thanks
#don’ttellthemyournamepike