elderly mother given internet account; she doesn't own or use a computer

edgecutter

Is there any redress against Lloyds bank for opening an internet account for my 88 year old mother, 2 years ago, and transferring £1500 of her money in it? She has no computer, can't use one and oh - the account has paid a tiny amount of interest. I found an annual statement yesterday otherwise it would have been dormant for years.

le_loup

Depends.
Is she obviously mentally impaired? Would the bank have known? Was she lured by a good interest rate?
Does 88 automatically make her doolally?

ChiefGrasscutter

I'm rather surprised that this is even possible.

Most 'internet only' accounts can only be opened online - that is to say the individual has to register themselves for online access with the bank prior to opening the account or register online access as part of the account opening proceedure both of which which would include providing a current email address - which she wouldn't have.

Are you sure is not a normal savings type account -which additionally might have internet access -but having internet access is not a requirement to hold such an account. Then it is simply a case of was she told about the account properly, and how long any bonus period if any lasted, what where the T&C's, what was the interest rate etc.

atush

If she has no computer, and it is an interenet only acct, who opened it for her? If it was in branch then there could be a case as it isn't suitable for her as she has no computer to access it. But really we all need more info.

gmgmgm

Even if it's an internet account, I believe it can still be operated in-branch. If so, I doubt you have anything to complain about from that pov.

ChiefGrasscutter

It might have been a Lloyds Esavings a/c- which can only be operated by telephone banking or by internet banking - according to the T&C's.
(You can only transfer monies to or from another lloyds account into or from the Esavings a/c)

sabretoothtigger

I found an annual statement yesterday

If they are sending you statements then no. Any optional extra is hardly a liability unless they explicitly charged for something she would never use. It would be hard to prove though you might to complain she was badly advised as to the best account.

You arent owed anything, thats banks for you

ses6jwg

Make a complaint and they might give you a tenner to make you go away, but no, it's unlikely that you're in for a compensayshun windfall if that's what you're after.

edgecutter

Thanks for all your replies - I think an assistant at the bank opened the account for her - I think to get her a better return than leaving it in her current account - it hasn't really. Mum can't tell me anything about it and we 2 daughters know nothing. I needed help before taking her to the bank to transfer the money back to her current account. Just seemed wanton for the bank to sort an "online saver" account for someone who's never used a computer.

Hungerdunger

edgecutter wrote: »

Mum can't tell me anything about it and we 2 daughters know nothing.

So how do you know it is an internet only account? Can you tell us the name of the account - perhaps we can be of more help knowing the facts.

bengal-stripe

edgecutter wrote: »

Is there any redress against Lloyds bank for opening an internet account for my 88 year old mother, 2 years ago, and transferring £1500 of her money in it? She has no computer, can't use one.......

To open an eSavings Account with Lloyds TSB you must be registered for internet banking. If your mother has no computer and cannot operate one, how could she (or bank staff) have opened this account?

eSavings Account
If you’re registered for Internet Banking, you can open online in moments with just £1 and enjoy easy access through Internet Banking or Phonebank®.

http://www.lloydstsb.com/savings/esavings_account.asp

OP, you might want to check your facts.