Santander taken over GE capital accounts and reopened closed account!!

Chez2k

Hi Everyone,

A few year ago I had an Edge Store Card, which belonged to GE Capital.
The account was settled on 26/3/2007 and was close in May 2007 with a balance of £4.22 credit. I had a letter sent back to me confirming closure of the account (can't find it now though).
It also showed as settled on my credit file.

In November 2010 I recieved a letter from Santander Cards with details of an account that I apparently have with them that has £4.22 credit and a £500 credit limit!!!
I was really suprised and confused as I have never dealt with Santander and definately haven't opening any cards.
Then I realised that GE Capital must of sold the account on and Santander have either opening it back up again or is wasn't ever closed (but I haven't heard anything about the Edge card since it was supposed closed).

I phoned Santander up and suprise suprise it went through to a foreign call centre. I tried to explain and get an explanation and I got absolutely nowhere.
Before they would discuss the account with me they wanted me to answer security questions... one of which was my mobile number. The number they will have on file was from 4 years ago and I can't remember what it was!!!!

Needless to say I am still confused.

If I write to them for an explaination and request for the account to be closed... will they close it with a 4.22 credit on the account. I don't want a card for it. I want the stupid thing shutting!!

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Has anyone else had this happen?
Thanks

Cheryl

[Deleted User]

You need to request the credit to be refunded to you. The account can't be closed until it is at zero.

Chez2k

Ok. I'll get onto that then. If I write to them a letter requesting a a refund will they send me a cheque for the amount? I have never had to do it before.

Thanks
Cheryl

[Deleted User]

Yep, normally a cheque, although they may refund to an account.

Chez2k

Will send letter tommorow. Thanks

pqrdef

No chance that anybody's listening, but isn't mobile phone number a $%@&! stupid security question?

Chez2k

It is a very stupid quesion. Especially for an account that was confirmed as closed 4 years ago. I found the closure letter from ge capital and it definitely was closed.
I'm absolutely furious!!

tipsychick

Hi Cheryl

I'm in exactly the same position but with an old Harrods card. After a load of faffing about on the phone, I wrote a letter of complaint to:

Santander Cards
PO Box 700
Leeds
LS99 2BD

I'm still waiting to be reimbursed the couple of quid credit on the card by either cheque or BACS, although they're now over the 15 working days originally quoted. I'm also apparently going to receive £15 compensation to cover the cost of the phone calls/an hour waiting on the phone/all the hassle. They have another couple of days before I start complaining that neither has arrived!

Chez2k

I thought I would find someone else that this had happened to if I came on here.
I don't know how they are allowed to do it!

My letter has gone off so just awaiting a reply. Gave them 14 days to reply. So we'll see.

Are you just going to complain to them if they don't reply or are you taking it to the FOS?