Ombudsman or Court?

[drover]

I have sent the recommended letters to First Direct. They have written back saying that they do not believe the charges to be illegal and helpfully(!) enclosing a leaflet regarding the Ombudsman service. They have also said that this is their final letter. What should I do? I am confused whether to proceed via the Ombudsman or by the Court process. Especially bearing in mind that the Ombusdamn service is free. Does anyone know if the Ombudsman are veering on the side of the banks or the customer?

[happyolddog]

Hi drover

Welcome to the forum.

 

A lot of people are making the same mistake and stating illegal when the charges are not, they are though unlawful. You really need to start the whole process as laid out in the templates library.As for weather you use the FO or go it alone is your choice.

Here is a link to start a thread in the First direct forum;

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/newthread.php?do=newthread&f=37

Title your post Drover V first direct.

 

Other members with experiance of your bank can offer informed advice.

use the template letters in order. Stick to the timetable in there.

please take time to read the faq's

LINKS....

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/welcome-our-forum/71112-glance-guide-claiming.html

FAQs....

Templates Library....

If you have charges going back further than six years read in here;

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/general/80486-claiming-beyond-6-yrs.html

There is also live chat, visit if you need any quick advice.

http://www.consumeractiongroup.co.uk/forum/chat/flashchat.php

Finally good Luck.

Happyolddog.

If this helps please tip the scales,Left.

[Guest ChloeJane]

Hi there!

 

The reply you received from the bank is standard. It is having you doubt your right to actually claim the fees and has you doubting if you have a claim at all.

 

You do! Though the banks play on the process being intimidating and time consuming and often a lot to work through, to either accept a lower offer or to generally accept it is your fault for being in debit! Lets be honest though....the cost of living is so high, we struggle and they compound the problem with their fees.

 

The site works because the templates do and form what is the entire basis for a civil claim that if the bank won't agree they are wrong, you can win in court and prove them wrong.

 

It can appear daunting....the Ombudsman is a choice, but a slower process and is not the same as taking a civil action.

 

The process takes a little courage and a whole lot of belief! Oh and nerves for tactics.

 

My favourite link to understand the whole process is here....

 

Example Step-By-Step Instructions

 

The steps are simple!

 

FEES - there are exemptions and remissions for fees! so you may be fully able to fill out a simple form and not pay! That is a way down the track a little and too much information is overload....

 

While the decision has to be yours...you are on a site - with many many people in the same boat unsure if to go forward or not..but you can be assured of all the tips and templates and friendship and support to get you through.

 

My personal belief is court action is the only way to gain a result....hoping this helps as while scary as a process, you are here for support and will get it and will if you choose the route of going through the civil process..find you are amazingly empowered to do much more.

 

Good luck......only you can decide....

[tifo]

the Ombudsman is a choice, but a slower process and is not the same as taking a civil action.

 

The Ombudsman will take about 4-6 weeks to get a offer for you and you can reject this until the bank offers charges + stat 8% interest. That is as far as the Ombudsman will normally take it.

 

The court process is daunting and not as easy to go through first time, and it takes much longer (maybe 4-6 months). In the end you will get charges + stat 8% interest but will have done a lot of work for it.

 

You can go to court after the Ombudsman but not the Ombudsman after court.

 

It's your choice.