letter from creditor causing embarassment

DON79

Hi everyone, just wanted to put this situation before you and see if you think I should take it further as official complaint.

I have today received a letter from a bank i owe money too. problem is, the letter came in a window envelope which showed my name and address but above my name and address it had "ref: notice of arrears" clearly shown in the window for everyone at the post office and every tom !!!!!! and harry who has handled the letter to see.

I have called the customer relations department to complain about it and they did take it seriously and are going to pass it on.

I know as well that this is a breach of the OFT guidelines in that this bank has acted in a way likely to be publicly embarassing to the debtor either deliberately or through a lack of care.

My question is, should I now complain in writing and seek any compensation because it has really upset me and I am a bit fragile when it comes to dealing with my debts just now anyway.

I would appreciate any thoughts. Thanks.

rog2

DON79 wrote: »

My question is, should I now complain in writing and seek any compensation because it has really upset me and I am a bit fragile when it comes to dealing with my debts just now anyway.

You should, indeed, make a written and formal complaint. You should, also, talk to one of the Debt Counselling Charities such as National Debtline - 0808 808 4000, CCCS - 0800 138 1111, or a specialist debt advisor at your local CAB. They will advise you on the best way of dealing with your debts and take some of the 'fragility' away from you.

With regard to 'compensation' that may be a bit delicate - personally, I doubt that the Bank will entertain a claim for compensation - but, by all means, seek professional advice before embarking on that course of action.

Good luck.

ElizabethJH

This has happened to me on letters in the past, I've had to snatch them off my OH as he picks them up walking into the house... I didn't realise they weren't allowed so if it happens again I'd definitely complain!!

DON79

Thanks rog2, I am on a dmp with cccs but i still getting stressed and upset about things. I will write a letter to them I think because this letter I got was a new standard letter they are sending to all their customers under a new law. apparently they have to send it every six months to anyone in arrears (mines a personal loan), not sure if it applys to cc's as well. so they are going to get massive amounts of complaints if they do that to all their customers. I don't want a letter with this on it every six months through the door.

DON79

ElizabethJH wrote: »

This has happened to me on letters in the past, I've had to snatch them off my OH as he picks them up walking into the house... I didn't realise they weren't allowed so if it happens again I'd definitely complain!!

Hi, the OFT brought out new/revised guidelines in feb 08 about this sort of thing. I only just found it today but I did sort of know that they shouldn't do it. If it happens again, complain as well. i think there will be a few more of these popping up if that is the way this bank is going to be operating.

bathgatebuyer

I faced something similar from our property managers when they sent a bill in a windowed envelope marked 'Notice of Intended Legal Proceedings' in full view through the envelope. Postie handed it to me and said, "Someone's been a naughty girl then". Of course he doesn't know that it was their error and I will forever be 'the lassie on the top floor who must be a bit dodgy' as a result of that letter.

I did raise it with them and they knew nothing about the law - suprise surprise. Just another organisation which thinks that it can humiliate people without any comeback.

DON79

I know, I mean I will fire off a complaint letter and get back the bog standard "sorry" letter and nothing else. plus another complaint leaflet to add to my stockpile!

I only ever made complaints when they started treating me like crap because I was in debt to them. I hate creditors! :mad: