I am sooo angry..barclaycard..help

Spudkins

Wonder if someone out there can advise me about Barclaycard? I have had one for over 10 years, occasionally forgot to pay but generally paid off in full every month. I have never taken money out via the card - too expensive - and always been within credit limit. December 08 we went on holiday, leaving the card at home, came back to new statement saying that we had withdrawn about £100 in money, and used in a couple of stores - about £200 in all. I immediately rang them to say we had been away and it must have been copied as it was still at home. Long story, but 7 months down the line following 'investigations' I was first told that they would not accept some of the usage as fraud, as my card and pin number were used, and I owed them £90. I wrote back pointing out that they should check my usage history - apart from never withdrawing money, I had not used it except online since the first year of chip and pin because I kept forgetting the pin number. I had been paying £20 month into the account by standing order from Dec 08 up till May 09 (over £100 in all) so suggested to call it quits, close my account and basically get lost! Meanwhile, however (told you long story) they had given me a different account number and new cards (which haven't been used) and simply transferred the balance in question. Been getting hassling letters about not paying basic amount and last month they actually took £5 out of my bank account to cover it! Today got a letter saying they have 'further investigated my appeal' and now say I owe the whole amount PLUS all the accrued interest and late payment charges! Tempted just to pay to get it off my stress levels, and it seems petty when there are so many people out there in dire financial difficulties - but - it just really gets my back up to be treated like this! What am I entitled to refuse to pay, and what can I do?

Moggles_2

Spudkins wrote: »

I have had one for over 10 years. In December 08 we went on holiday, leaving the card at home, came back to new statement saying that we had withdrawn about £100 in money, and used in a couple of stores, about £200 in all. I immediately rang them to say we had been away and it must have been copied as it was still at home. 7 months down the line following 'investigations' I was first told that they would not accept some of the usage as fraud, as my card and pin number were used and I owed them £90. I wrote back pointing out that they should check my usage history. Apart from never withdrawing money, I had not used it except online since the first year of chip and pin because I kept forgetting the pin number. I had been paying £20 month into the account by standing order from Dec 08 up till May 09 (over £100 in all) so suggested to call it quits, close my account and basically get lost! Meanwhile, they had given me a different account number and new cards (which haven't been used) and simply transferred the balance in question. Been getting hassling letters about not paying basic amount ... Today got a letter saying they have 'further investigated my appeal' and now say I owe the whole amount PLUS all the accrued interest and late payment charges! Tempted just to pay to get it off my stress levels and it seems petty when there are so many people out there in dire financial difficulties - but it just really gets my back up to be treated like this! What am I entitled to refuse to pay and what can I do?

During a dispute with any credit card company, it's advisable to keep up the minimum payments required, until agreement is reached. Provided that you continue to meet the minimum payments, your credit rating is not affected. Unfortunately, it sounds as though you withheld all payment from May 2009, though you were still in dispute with Barclaycard. You are now in arrears and if you continue to withhold payment, your credit rating will take a hammering.

If you feel you have grounds for complaint against B'card, I would request a copy of its complaints procedure (you can do this in branch or over the phone). This sets out the time limits allowed for dealing with your complaint. The bank is also obliged to confirm the result of your complaint in writing. I would mark your envelope "Complaint" and send it recorded delivery.

You have the right to take your complaint to the Financial Ombudsman, if you are not satisfied with the outcome.

Last month they actually took £5 out of my bank account to cover it!

The banks have this well and truely covered in their Ts & Cs. Perhaps consider having your income paid to a different bank account

Spudkins

Thanks, Moggles. Guess I was pretty naive to expect them to put everything on hold until it was sorted, but that's what I thought would happen. It looks like I have no choice but to pay the £90, but I can't see why I should suddenly have to pay the whole lot. I cancelled the standing order when I received the letter to say I owed the £90 because I had already paid them that amount. I thought that was it until they hassled me about more payment last week (spent 30 mins on phone going between india and UK!) then today the letter to say I owed the whole amount. Can they do this? Or is it just because I complained?

Moggles_2

Spudkins wrote: »

Thanks, Moggles. Guess I was pretty naive to expect them to put everything on hold until it was sorted, but that's what I thought would happen. It looks like I have no choice but to pay the £90, but I can't see why I should suddenly have to pay the whole lot. I cancelled the standing order when I received the letter to say I owed the £90 because I had already paid them that amount. I thought that was it until they hassled me about more payment last week (spent 30 mins on phone going between india and UK!) then today the letter to say I owed the whole amount. Can they do this? Or is it just because I complained?

Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that ('Nothing to do with your complaint, it's the credit agreement you've signed.) It's important to meet those minimum payments. (You can always reclaim afterwards.)

If you ring Barclaycard Card Services on 01604 230230, you'll avoid the perishing 0870/0844 numbers and, with luck, the overseas call centre

Very best
M

Spudkins

Hi Moggles,

Just a quick update. I paid off the whole £200 because it was too stressful to continue the fight. Your common sense replies were just what I needed to look at it objectively. When I've calmed down and have chance to go through everything, I'm going to try and reclaim some of the charges, especially those imposed after they told me I only had to pay £90. Tempted to close down my Barclay accounts as well, but my local branch are very good and friendly and I suppose in theory nothing to do with Barclaycard - although they allowed the £5 withdrawal! Anyway, thanks again.

olly300

Spudkins wrote: »

Hi Moggles,

Just a quick update. I paid off the whole £200 because it was too stressful to continue the fight. Your common sense replies were just what I needed to look at it objectively. When I've calmed down and have chance to go through everything, I'm going to try and reclaim some of the charges, especially those imposed after they told me I only had to pay £90. Tempted to close down my Barclay accounts as well, but my local branch are very good and friendly and I suppose in theory nothing to do with Barclaycard - although they allowed the £5 withdrawal! Anyway, thanks again.

You know you can click on Moggle's thanks button.

CannyJock

olly300 wrote: »

You know you can click on Moggle's thanks button.

Ooer missus