URGENT HELP needed Halifax close my accounts won't say WHY??

Nidge30

Hi,

Today my usual salary was paid into my usual Halifax Easycash account. I went to transfer it as I normally do to my eSaver with them. It wouldn't allow the transfer and I had an error code and number to call.

When I called they said that following a "risk assessment" they were closing my accounts. They would say NO MORE except there was a letter in the mail, which I'm concerned I won't get quickly during Christmas post.

They have over £3000 of mine, Christmas money, salary and savings, and without my money I won't be able to get to work! I will lose my job.

I don't know what to do.

Can I attend the branch with my Passport and Drivers Licence and withdraw my cash, my MONEY?

Freaked out. Advice needed URGENTLY.

Thanks

Lokolo

I would go and open an account elsewhere today.

Then when they close the account you can transfer money into the new account.

System

I would be phoning that number again and demanding a better response than "a letter is in the post"

I would ask if a visit to the branch would be able to resolve the situation. If so, I would phone the branch to make an urgent appointment to discuss things with a senior representative of the appropriate bank dept.

stclair

The bank may had a CIFAS or CRA alert or something which has prompted the closure of the account.

Nidge30

stclair wrote: »

The bank may had a CIFAS or CRA alert or something which has prompted the closure of the account.

What on earth does that mean?

chequeout

Hi there,

I had a similar thing a few years ago with Natwest, they decided to close my account even though I had a balance of several hundred pounds. They wouldn't say why and also said a letter was in the post.

When the letter arrived it gave no information away - in fact it said they are under no obligation to give a reason and are not willing to give details.

Therefore, I'd do the following ASAP:

- CLOSE your account and withdraw your balance in cash. Yes, a lot of cash to carry around / keep at home, but at least you know you have your hands on it which may ease the worry.

- OPEN another account asap so you can pay this cash into it.

And, when all is set up, go into your ex-bank and ask how you can pay half a million into your account (say you have had an inheritance...) Give them your old account number etc. Then, when they see the problem, say "whoops, I forgot - sorry, it will have to go to my new bank account..... Yes, a bit pathetic, but to see the look on the Natwest customer service agent's face when I did that when I had a few mins to kill one day was well worth it!!

jen245

Nidge30 wrote: »

What on earth does that mean?

It means they think youve been up to no good, ie fraud or money laundering. There have been quite a few threads on this lately, banks just closing peoples accounts for no apparent reason. Get copies of your credit reports, and if they are OK, then id do SAR (subject access request) to CIFAS, to see if they hold any info on you.

Failing that though, bank can close your accounts at any time, and they dont really have to give a reason. Best thing to do, is try another bank

Nidge30

Ok that's clearer, whilst I don't have great credit rating (divorce and past redundancy) my account has never been overdrawn since it's a basic account, so they have all my cash and I have nothing.

Going to go into branch soon having left work early to come home and collect my passport and ID, may refuse to leave (politely refuse) until I get my money...I rarely use cash, always my electron card.

Will also need a list of all my direct debits etc...

What a mess just before Christmas break and on a Friday afternoon.

I have no cash except a few quid that I keep for car parking...

Nidge30

opinions4u wrote: »

Out of interest, what sort of transactions have been going through your accounts recently?

Last weekend a van hire to help my son move house, there was £200 deposit taken and then returned.

Lots of AMAZON (lazy Christmas shopping). Petrol for work twice a week. Sainsburys online delivery.

My wages a week early because of Christmas. (They accepted these wages today!)

WestonDave

If a moneylaundering suspicion has been raised, you absolutely won't get your money today - or until its been cleared by the relevant authorities, nor will you get any explanation out of the branch because they would be breaking the law if they told you! Money Laundering regs are very strict, and once (rightly or wrongly) as suspicion is raised the procedures are inpenetrable.

Mikeyorks

WestonDave wrote: »

If a moneylaundering suspicion has been raised.........

.......... and remains unresolved - then there would be no letter? Nor a statement to the effect the account was being closed.