HSBC bank account frozen

[Carlykins]

My current account was frozen by HSBC over 6 weeks ago.

No notice given and despite multiple calls and complaints and visits to branch they still refuse to tell me why or give any timescale.

 

This is devastating my entire life as a self employed gas engineer with 3 young children to support.

 

I complained to Ombudsman about 5 weeks ago but still no change.  

 

All the money I have is tied up in that account including proceeds of sale of house last August.  

 

Due to exchange/complete on new purchase in a matter of days but can’t proceed without access to my funds.  

I am beyond desperate….

 

Any advice much appreciated 

[Carlykins]

I’ve no idea what bot I’ve tripped but I’m definitely not involved in any money laundering.  Just keep hitting a brick wall whenever I contact them 

[Carlykins]

Thank you for your reply.  I have been in contact with fraud team several times but still not getting anywhere.  Despite feeling angry and desperate I am staying polite with everyone I speak to.   It’s so frustrating as I know I’ve done nothing wrong - I could answer any query they might have - if only they would ask .. 

A solicitor told me that once it’s been frozen 42 days the bank has no mandate to keep it frozen without a court order. Unfortunately I can’t afford solicitor fee to write to bank about this .. 

[Carlykins]

I literally have no  idea.

 

 Definitely not transferring large sums in or out.

 

 Sold my house in August 2022 and (stupidly) left the proceeds in my current account as thought I would be completing on new property sooner.  

 

The money in my account  consists almost entirely of the proceeds of that sale.  

The only thing I can think of is that I have for at least the last 4 years  used my current account for all my business transactions- I’m a self employed plumber.

 

 I had a business account also with HSBC but never really got round to using it.  

Maybe that’s a breach of their T&C’s?  If so I wish they would just say so and it can all be sorted out .. 

 

Solicitor thought it likely that bank had sent a Suspicious Activity Report to National Crime Agency.  

 

Seemingly that agency has  42 days to respond to bank and if doesn’t do so then bank is free to unfreeze the account.  

 

I’ve no idea if that’s really a thing or not - but I’m now at over 45 days ..  

 

 

Solicitor wants £1500 + vat to write a letter of claim to HSBC.

 

 If I was sure this would do the trick I’d beg borrow or steal to pay it .. but I’m not that confident .. 

[Carlykins]

I did email CEO a few days ago - guess I will have to wait and see if that has any effect ..  

Meant to exchange on new house purchase this week and complete next week - but obviously can’t proceed without funds ..   

Feel like I’ve tried everything I can. 

Financial Ombudsman has been much help so far .. 

[Carlykins]

FOB is looking into it and has been emailing HSBC but yet ti receive a response 

 

Email to CEO has been acknowledged and says they are looking into it 

[Carlykins]

Thank you.  Sorry if this is silly question but What is a  a parachute account?  Is it an Account at another back  to have somewhere to pay in funds if HSBC decide to close my account?  

[Carlykins]

CEO's office has replied saying they are looking into it ...     I don't think I've left any stone unturned now, so will just have to wait it out I guess 

 

I do have another account with Nationwide which I've used very little over the years (but am now using more since this all started) ..  but I guess that would serve as my 'parachute' account if HSBC close my account

[Carlykins]

Amazing news today .. account has been reopened!!  Apology received from HSBC about how long this has taken as should only have taken around 5 days .. not 7 weeks!!    So my email to CEO worked!  If only I’d taken that step weeks ago! 

[Carlykins]

Will do - thanks for your help