Report to the People
6th August 2007
Reversing the Charges
What
is it about a certain individuals which makes them see vulnerable people as
nothing more than an opportunity for a fast buck? It seems that, whenever people who’ve had it tough may be
entitled to a few pounds, the sharks start circling, determined to get a slice
for themselves.
The
latest wheeze comes from those nice companies kindly offering to “help” you
reclaim your bank charges.
As
you know, more and more bank customers are demanding the refunding of the unfair
charges imposed on them for, say, going overdrawn.
Whether these charges are legally enforceable is doubtful and, rather
than go to court, banks are just settling customers’ claims.
The
prospect of this easy money has attracted companies offering, for a percentage
of any settlement, to handle your claim. Not
only are you paying them for something most people can do for themselves, you
might even end up owing them money. If,
as it is perfectly entitled to do, your bank uses the settlement to clear and
cancel your overdraft, how do you pay the company’s fee?
At
most, reclaiming bank charges should cost a Data Protection Act fee of £10 and
the price of a few stamps. My website
or my office (791820) has free information packs containing standard letters for
you to complete and send to your bank. And,
if your bank refuses to co-operate, or you need any expert, free advice, you can
contact Money Matters Inverclyde on 715965.
It’s
your money, so shouldn’t it be in your pocket?
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