DON'T BANK ON IT
I was refused access to my own bank account and turned away from my local branch – I was treated like a criminal
Halifax has now admitted they 'didn't get this right' and apologised to the OAP
A PENSIONER was refused access to his own bank account and was "treated like a criminal" before being turned away from a Halifax branch.
David Drew, 90, was left outraged after he was told he couldn't see the local branch manager.
2
2
The retired shipping and cruise line worker feared he would not be able to pay his £5,600 monthly fees for his care home in Southampton, Hants.
Mr Drew has two savings accounts with the bank which have remained untouched for 30 years and left him with a substantial sum of money.
Having emptied his other accounts at other banks including Barclays, to pay for his place at Oak Lodge Care Home, he eventually had to dip into these savings.
Without having had any issues anywhere else, Mr Drew was shocked to learn he could not access his Halifax funds due to his passport and driving licence being out of date.
more on money
Speaking after the ordeal, he said: "It's security gone mad.
"I’ve worked for 48 years of my life and I feel like I’ve done my bit.
"But now I feel like I’m being treated like a criminal when I haven’t done anything wrong.
"I don’t get out too much as I’ve not been very well and I don’t see the need in having to update my passport when I’m never going to use it again.
Most read in Money
"The whole thing has been very stressful."
Attending with a carer, he asked to see a manager but was told there were none available.
Despite being assured they would call him back, they did not pick up the phone for days - leaving him stressed.
Our water, electricity & gas is being shut off to force us out our homes for ‘repair works’ - we’ll be gone for MONTHS with nowhere to go
He continued: "It was nearly two weeks, and I didn't hear anything, I think it’s really poor and I’ve been disappointed by their whole attitude.
"I’d have liked them to be a bit more understanding and to help me.
"I offered them the opportunity to phone the care home to get my identification verified but they just didn’t seem interested.
"I think I can just about make my payment for next month but then I don’t know where the money is going to come from."
Halifax has now admitted they "didn't get this right" and since moved his savings into his current account and agreed to pay him compensation for his troubles.
The bank even apologised to the pensioner
A spokesperson said: "We’re sorry we didn’t get this right when he first contacted us and will be making a payment in recognition of this."
What to do if you're refused access to your own bank account.
IF you are refused access to your own bank account, there are a few things you can do.
The following steps you should try are:
- Contact the bank
- Get a copy of your report
- Consider a second chance account
- Use a prepaid card
- Consider a credit union
- Restore your financial status
You can also file a complaint with the Financial Ombudsman Service.
You should give the bank at least eight weeks to resolve the issue.
If you don't receive a letter within that time, you can complain to the Ombudsman within six months.
What should you do if your account is closed?
It's important to try to find out if there are any problems that might have triggered the closure.
For example, it might be that crooks have stolen your identity and applied for loans in your name.
Start by running a free credit check through a service like moneysavingexpert.com’s Credit Club, Credit Karma or Clearscore.
It's best to try all three if you’re concerned in order to cover the three main credit agencies that keep records of your financial dealings.
The reports should help you spot if there are any accounts that you don't recognise.
If you’re worried that your account might have been flagged as suspicious, you can also apply to two fraud-fighting organisations — Cifas and National Hunter - to find out what information they hold on you.
When you write, say that you would like to make a "subject access request".
If you’re not happy with the way your bank has treated you, make a complaint.
After eight weeks, if the bank doesn't respond or if you’re not satisfied, you can take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) for free.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
If the FOS agrees that you've been treated unfairly and you can prove that you have lost out financially as a result, you might be able to get compensation.
Topics