Financial Ombudsman Claim - Advice Please

Natti_A

Hi,

I am about to sumbmit my first claim to the FOS, due to a problem with Halifax. I wanted to run it by you guys, as you tend to be pretty honest!
The question being simply, is it worth my taking it to the FOS? Or am i being petty?

The basics of the problem are this:

• At the same time as the Reward Current Account coming, NHS Discounts promote an offer for a free Ipod Nano 8GB for "switching" to Halifax Reward CA.
• I fill in the NHS Discount Form and call immediately and set up the Reward CA. Make it clear to phone operator that i also want to switch.
• Go into branch next day to fund account, and sign forms. Branch staff had no clue, took 30mins to get me to sign the paperwork (which i forgot to check, didnt include the switching paperwork which i did request)
• I accept i didn't chase up the switching paperwork for 1mth, and should have asked more about this in branch. My fault.
• I request paperwork by phone, it arrives (mid March) and i send this off same day.
• Wait 1 month, then chase this up as no paperwork received or DD's switched. The call centre tells me there is an "issue" with the paperwork. No further elaboration can be given by any staff members, went into branch to get an answer, none given. Told to call between 9-5 Mon-Fri, only the switching team can help me.
• Due to working in a hospital (8.30-5.30), i struggled to find time to do this. Eventually got through to switching team and after being on hold for 15mins to be told something had "just not been scanned in properly"!!
• Very annoyed that this had not been picked up or written to me about, wrote letter of complaint (April). Then wrote second complaint letter (June), as the Ipod has still not been received.
• Told it would take 2 months..... that expired yesterday. As I have been off work for past couple of days, I chased it up and was told my complaint was yet to be looked at! (argh)

Ok i know its long... I have surprisingly left stuff out as well!!

I have asked for the Ipod Nano (as this is why i switched orignially!), and compensation for time, phone calls, and postage (sent 9 letters - 2 recorded). Am i being an unreasonable ****?

Natti_A

Halifax themselves have sent me a letter telling me their time is up! I was more than aware, been in my diary since i started this complaint process.

I had the suggested conversation yesterday... unfortunately they refused to give me a timescale, of any sort let alone 48hrs.Threatened the FOS, and they basically said fine!

Do you think i have a chance of success though with the FOS? I heard they tend to agree with the banks, (might have been on a thread on MSE actually) Just has got me worried that i may end up worse off by going to FOS! erk!

jambosans

Natti_A wrote: »

Do you think i have a chance of success though with the FOS? I heard they tend to agree with the banks, (might have been on a thread on MSE actually)

They are impartial, they will look at all the facts and make an informed decision.

Natti_A

I take it, from the responses, that i'm not being petty about this one and its worth taking to the FOS.

I have got all the paperwork, minus anything from NHS Discounts (who never reply to emails), and will make copies and send it recorded. The FOS have told me not to worry with regards to having nothing from NHS Discounts, as they can contact them seperately and get confirmation.

97trophy

go for it.;)

Natti_A

Ok... Need some more advice!

Had an F&F offer of £50 + Ipod Nano 8GB from Halifax, what do people think?