Bank Charges getting out of control, made worse by Barclays

[Yukiko]

Good evening guys,

 

I was wondering if I could seek some help.

 

My partner has been off work on SSP for 7 months now and I am the sole breadwinner in the house.

Our income and expenditure looks relatively OK but Barclays have been making things much worse for us.

 

Both of us have had suspect transactions to EE/T-Mobile on our statements, even though I am with Three and other half is with o2.

They've refunded these amounts to us as and when we've noticed them, but it's got to the point where I've had to go into the bank to sign the forms as they're just taking too long to send them out and in some cases, not send them at all.

The form in question asks pointless questions such as "Is your Debit Card in your posession at all times" etc, which I have to answer "No" due to the fact that when I'm at work, it is in my wallet, not at my workstation.

 

They've now sent about 40 copies of the same form and no sheet at the back to tell me which form is for which and it's all really confusing, worse than that, they've been charging me for DD being bounced because the money has been taken from my account without my authorisation.

They refund me the amount, but then take it back after a few days because I don't return them in time, even though I haven't received them.

 

It's driving me crazy, I've probably amassed and paid enough charges to do my monthly shop since my partner has been off sick and I just can't manage it. I don't earn much money but I do like to have enough to eat, fuel the car and pay my bills. They're taking so much that my car insurance is defaulting and then I'm being charged a £30 late payment fee on that, which I have to pay or I'll lose my car and both of us will be stuffed.

 

Can anyone help me with where to start, please?

 

Thanks

 

Yukiko

[caro]

Start by getting yourself a new basic bank account (no overdraft) and having your income and genuine bills paid through that. That way you're ok going forward and can deal with Barclays with no worry about bills being paid.

[slick132]

Hi Yukiko,

 

When did the fraud payments start appearing ?

 

Have you prepared a spreadsheet showing all the fraud payments and any default charges that resulted from the fraud pay'ts. You should show any amounts refunded on the spreadsheet too.

 

You should also include any Late Pay't Fees incurred with a third party liek the car insurer if pay'ts have been returned unpaid because of these problems.

 

You can then make a formal complaint to Barclays London HQ demanding a proper and fast investigation, failing which you'll make complaints to the FOS and possibly take court action to recover your losses using the BCOB's Regulations.