Dealing with banks on someones behalf

Coeus

Hi all!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I need to sort out and issues with Halifax on my sisters behalf which was meant to be sorted last week (whilst my sister was at home) but low and behold has not. This is a continuing saga and complaints have already been made.

As such I need to sort out an account issue on her behalf.

Can anyone advise on any proofs / identification I would need to do this? I am aware of third party mandates but I cannot find a form for Halifax specifically. I can provide almost all documents relating to proof of identity for either of us, and she can email signatures required across to me as required.

This is very annoying and upsetting for my 19 y/o sister who is not the best at managing finances. She attempted to sort in her local office but left upset - I believe profanities were involved - so I need to deal with it...

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Coeus.

Chunks

Due to confidentiality issues, most banks will have a problem dealing with someone other than the account holder unless that someone has authority to represent the accountee (which is accepted by the bank). As you indicated, you will need some form of authority. Your sister should approach the Halifax and see if you can be given a POA. I don't know in the case of Halifax but I suspect that you will have a certian level of hassle to overcome; I maybe wrong. Have a look at this link:

http://www.halifax.co.uk/onlinebankinghelp/powerofattorney.asp

EarthBoy

You can:

1) get your sister to ring the bank whilst you are with her. She will have to confirm her identity and then ask them to speak to you about the matter. She passes the phone to you to deal with the query. This would only work for that particular phone call though, so you would have to be with your sister every time she or you want to ring the bank.

2) you could go to the branch with your sister to discuss the problem

3) you could write to the bank and get your sister to sign the letters

All of these methods require your sister to be present. If that's not possible then a power of attorney or a mandate giving you authority to deal with the bank is probably the only solution, and the bank is the best place to get advice about setting that up. Emailed signatures would be no use to anybody. The bank will only accept genuine handwritten ones.

Src1_3

Coeus wrote: »

Hi all!

Thanks for taking the time to read this.

I need to sort out and issues with Halifax on my sisters behalf which was meant to be sorted last week (whilst my sister was at home) but low and behold has not. This is a continuing saga and complaints have already been made.

As such I need to sort out an account issue on her behalf.

Can anyone advise on any proofs / identification I would need to do this? I am aware of third party mandates but I cannot find a form for Halifax specifically. I can provide almost all documents relating to proof of identity for either of us, and she can email signatures required across to me as required.

This is very annoying and upsetting for my 19 y/o sister who is not the best at managing finances. She attempted to sort in her local office but left upset - I believe profanities were involved - so I need to deal with it...

Any help would be greatly appreciated,

Coeus.

Contact the Financial ombudsman or go with your sister to a Halifax branch. She will need to take her card and a bill or passport with her.

Alternatively write a complaint letter on her behalf. She can sign it. This way things are clearly documented. They have 8 weeks to reply. Halifax is rubbish when comes to service for consumers. I will be looking for a new bank.

innovate

Src1 wrote: »

Contact the Financial ombudsman

That sounds a bit previous - - - the FO cannot do anything to help because Halifax haven't done anything wrong.

pmduk

Src1 wrote: »

Contact the Financial ombudsman ...

In addition the Financial Ombudsman can only investigate when an official complaint has not been resolved within 8 weeks.

jalexa

innovate wrote: »

That sounds a bit previous - - - the FO cannot do anything to help.

I know what you are saying, but I would hope that the FOS telephone adviser would offer guidance on process.

ChiefGrasscutter

I'd imagine the FOS would advise the OP to do one of the options that poster "Earth Boy" has very clearly listed.