Credit card and Bank account problems

scouseman

Hi ALL

This is my first post here and I am in desperate need of some advice.
A while I lost my job and because of it I got a bit depressed. As a result I started gambling and have run up a considerable amount of debt, to an extent now that I feel as though I am drowning.
My main problem at the moment is that I have got a Halifax credit card and a Halifax current account, I have run my credit card right up to it's limit and they started pestering me, ringing my phone all the time beacuse I could not pay the bill. I was getting that streeses out that i started ignoring the phone, not that I could pay them anyway as I have very little money to pay tons of debts including rent arrears. Anyway I have now found that because I ignored the halifax's call they have took it upon themselevs to help themselves to 160 pound out of my Halifax bank account (not a direct debit but a cash withdrawal) I most definetly cannnot afford this and it has made things conciderably worse for me. They said because i ignored there calls they have the right to take it.
I am very concerned that if I don't come to an agreement that they will also terminate my current account, but I really cannot afford to pay them anything toward the debt.

Has anybody any idea what I can do to firstly make sure they take to more money without my permission, secondly somehow try and get the money they took back and thirdly protect my current account from closure.

If anyone has any advice it would be most appreciated.
Thanks for your time
Mark

madduck

Basically you'll find out that they probably do have a right to take the money out of your bank account to cover the credit card account - will be covered under the terms of your account. Open another bank account immediately (if you have debt problems it might have to be a basic bank account) but do it now!!!

Transfer any money still in your account, transfer your direct debits and make sure that your salary/any benefits go into your new account.

I'd also suggest that you contact CCCS/Payplan/CAB re finding a solution to your debt problems - they are really good and won't judge you.

You'll find details about basic bank accounts on this forum - loads about - just make sure that it isn't a bank that is connected to your current bank.