Very strange letter....

BelfastGirl_2 · 28 January 2009 at 1:54PM

Hi! I have just started to reclaim some charges on my credit cards; I've sent off my SARs (most replied very promptly). One of the credit cards sent me out a lovely table with the charges going back to early in 2003. I only have statements going back to June 2007, and they correspond with the charges in their table for that period - so I am assuming that if they're right in that period, they're likely to be right for the entire 6 years. I worked out, according to their table, the total charges - £336 - and interest - £72.82 - and sent back the letter requesting my money back, including the 8% interest. They replied today, and I have to say it is quite strange. They do the usual "we have acted responsibly in the management of your account" etc. However, they also say that they are prepared to review charges etc. that have been applied to my account, and can further confirm that this equates to £792, yes, £792 - more than double what I calculated! So they want to refund me, as a goodwill gesture, the sum of £396, which is almost (less about £13) what I was asking for. Now here's the thing - what if the charges were £792? But then again, I'm actually wondering if the person who wrote it realises it's January 2009, not January 2008!

So, do I take the money - it's almost what I asked for - or do I write to them asking for a explanation of their figure, and risk them looking at a calendar?!

nickmack · 28 January 2009 at 4:13PM

BelfastGirl wrote: »

So, do I take the money - it's almost what I asked for - or do I write to them asking for a explanation of their figure, and risk them looking at a calendar?!

If you believe this to be the correct amount, I would be inclined to accept the payment. If you question it and then try to claim the full charge, you may have to take them to court to try and force them to pay.

Mrs_Moc · 28 January 2009 at 4:15PM

I would accept it.

BelfastGirl_2 · 28 January 2009 at 4:39PM

Almost as soon as I'd written that post, I wrote a letter accepting their offer - as Martin says, if you're reclaiming £2000 and they offer £1200, better to think of the £1200 you're gaining, rather than focusing on the £800.

What they've offered is almost what I was gearing myself up for a fight for, so I'm not going to get greedy! I am however a little curious as to the huge discrepancy.....

I think I'm going to decide that the customer relations person hasn't got or can't read a calendar! :rotfl:

So another successful claim!

brightonman123 · 28 January 2009 at 5:00PM

if more than you expected/asked for, ytake it quick, and close out the account so then they cant claw it back!

militantconsumer · 28 January 2009 at 6:17PM

Of course, if all they are offering is a goodwill gesture rather than a refund on specific charges (which is what banks normally do in order to avoid admitting liability) then they can't come back and argue later that it was an overpayment. So you aren't doing anything dishonest by accepting their unspecific goodwill gesture, and they can hardly try and claim any of it back off you later because a goodwill gesture is exactly what it is.

BelfastGirl_2 · 28 January 2009 at 6:57PM

I think I'm a bit overwhelmed by how easy it was! SAR was sent 23/12/08, and first letter sent on 14/1/09. It's the first card I'm tackling as far as charges go; it's given me a real boost! I'm in the middle of reducing quite substantial debt, and I've seen real progress with that in the last year. This will help out to reduce it further - every penny counts!

hippy-chicy · 28 January 2009 at 9:17PM

It wasn't RBS by any chance was it. They are my first target and sent me a very helpful table listing all charges both overlimit and late charges and even added them all up for me

Well done btw, keep at it . Excellent result !

BelfastGirl_2 · 29 January 2009 at 1:40AM

Sorry, hippy-chicy, it wasn't RBS; hope you're as successful with your reclaim! I've noticed in your signature that your LBM was very recent; I remember all to well that moment for me! I've found the "debt free wannabe" forum very inspiring, motivating and supportive. All the best for tackling RBS and your debt!

Very strange letter....

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