RBOS Bank charges please help!

RichardUG

Hi all, I have a letter from RBOS saying they owe me over a thousand pounds in charges from a couple of years back, they say they need me to prove I closed the account at zero, the letter reads...

Dear Mr...

Thank you for sending us a copy of your statements.

As our letter (date) requested to provide proof of outstanding debt settled, the statement you provided just informs that your outstanding debt has been passed onto a third party debt collection agency (shows on your statement as Bal to BBD Fincon)

We need confirmation that the debt passed onto the third party has been paid off. Once we recive this confrimation we will be please to send a cheque.

Many Thanks!!!!!

I have phoned RBOS several times and not got anywhere with who fincon are or a number so I can get this confirmation! My questions are..

1) has anyone else had this prob?
2) does anyone know who ficon are or a number
3) Any advise welcome

Many thanks

Rick

dunstonh

1) has anyone else had this prob?

People who have built up arrears or had amounts written off normally have this issue.

2) does anyone know who ficon are or a number

Ask RBS.

3) Any advise welcome

Basically, RBS want to make sure you are entitled to this money. Their intention will be to pass it on to the debt collection agency if you didnt repay it. In some cases they are not allowed to do this (although they can notify the debt collection agency that they have given you the money and the debt collection agency can then start a claims proceedure against you). in other cases they can do this (depends one the nature of the third party agreement)

Did you repay this debt or not?

RichardUG

1) yes we had arreas and cleared these to zero when we had a royalties cheque after the bank had been closed our account.

2) Yes we paid the debt and have asked RBS several peolpe / several times who they are, resposes have been not sure we dont keep records of thrid party debt collectors to will find out and call you back, no calls and months keep ticking on!

3) should they not know that I've paid it or at least be able to give me a number email or address so I can contact these people?

Massive thanks for your reply, would love to get this sorted!

dunstonh

If you are not getting anywhere with RBS now then refer your complaint to the FOS. However, give them one more chance to settle. Tell them that you have repaid it and it is not your place to provide them with the evidence as it was RBS that passed it to this company and not you. Therefore RBS should be able to tell. Include that if you do not get paid this settlement without delay that you will refer the case to the FOS.

The FOS are more consumer friendly. This doesnt mean you get away with things you shouldnt be able to. However, it does mean that they wont view the fact RBS cant tell as your fault but will class it as their fault. Also, the FOS have some rules on third party debt collection agencies that in some cases prevent any future redress payment from going to the third party (even though some banks will try and do it anyway).

So, let them know your position (pay up or you go to the FOS) and if you get no response to that, take it to the FOS.