a bit confused after bank review

catalina66

Hi

My understanding when previously visiting the CAB had been that the overdraft and credit card debts would be treated as one debt and that I should make one single offer. What has confused me is that the bank are now speaking of two separate debts, saying that it will have to be two separate payments of half the amount I offered, but that this is far too low anyway, so will all go to a dca very soon.

Also, I was told that I will have to give my new bank details to the departments that will contact me in the next 2 days. I refused, and explained that I do not have to legally give my private bank details and that the main concern I have is that a dca are not passed my new bank details. Am I right about it not being necessary for me to give them my new bank details?

I was also asked for my telephone number. Having noticed on other threads that it's wise to try to prevent dca's ending up with your telephone number, I added a note on to the letter I'd handed in, asking that my phone number be kept confidential and not passed onto a dca, nor certain other private information I had included in the letter. I am not confident that what I've asked will be heeded, as she didn't acknowledge what I said, but instead said she was sending the letter on to the lending department. If they do disregard what I have asked about not handing certain information on, is there anything that can be done about this?

Thanks, Cat

Thriftylady

Within most banks, the credit card and current accounts would be dealt with by entirely different divisions, who would have no access (or only limited access) to the others files or computer systems, so I would guess that there is no option but for them to be treated as two separate debts.

As for your personal details, I'm not 100% sure of this and if anyone wants to tell me I'm wrong then I'm willing to be corrected ! But I have a feeling that once you have given your phone number or whatever to your bank, then this is considered your authorisation to contact you by phone (I've noticed it in the small print in some cases). On the other hand, I would also imagine that if you have given written instructions not to contact you by phone then this should be adhered to, but I expect that they would argue that you had (in some way) given your permission by providing the number in the first place. I'm not defending the heavy handed tactics some banks use, but they have to balance your right to privacy with their right to recover any money owed to them, and it seems to be quite a grey area....