Why is my Barclays account closed?

p0ttz

Hi,

In November 2011, my debit card details were stolen. I reported it to the bank and they cancelled it. During the time it was stolen, there had been unauthorized transactions, ones which made me overdrawn (I didn't have any money in my account). I was now overdrawn by £175.73. I told the bank that it was NOT me, and that I didn't authorize it and they said they would send me a form - they didn't. I then went to the branch about a week and a half later, they had put a caution on my card, then they removed it and sent me a new card and a new pin.

It now comes to January, I haven't used my card since, and haven't had any reply from Barclays until I had a refund sent to me (bought before my card was stolen, and returned after) and the bank sent me a letter asking if it was fraud or genuine so I put genuine of course.

I send the letter back, and then in February I send a complaint to them on why I have not received information, and I am overdrawn etc.

I now get a letter yesterday saying that my account was closed on 30th December 2011 - I wasn't informed about this at the time. My last statement shows that the "Branch Recovery Unit" had done something and it shows "£175.73".

The bank sent me another form saying which payments on the statement were genuine and fraud. They said if I want to discuss my account closure I should call a 0800 number.

Is my account closed because the fees wasn't paid? I can pay them within 2 weeks, but I hope it doesn't go to collectors etc.

I am only 15 - a minor.

Thanks

pcombo

Well for a start any overdrawn balance wouldn't occur any charges since your a minor.

If the transactions were fraudulent the bank normaly refund you right away and investigate i.e send you forms etc. if these forms aren't completed and sent back they will remove the funds again.

Maybe try speak to a manager or something.

p0ttz

I am thinking of contacting the Financial Ombudsman Service since I have been out of funds since (my dad pays a sto into my account each month)

Any other suggestions? And is the FOS good?

jonesMUFCforever

You need to contact the bank first using their complaints procedure.
Only if that has been completed and you are not happy do you contact the ombudsman.

p0ttz

Already complaint to the bank - that is how I knew my account was closed (they told me in the final response).

jonesMUFCforever

Did you ask why the account was closed - did they say why?

pmduk

If the bank has told you that this is their final response, then you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman. However it isn't a quick process. Some 16% of complaints take more than 12 months to complete.

olly300

As you are a minor I suggest you phone the FOS up and speak to someone. Their details are here You should try calling them after school.

They will tell you exactly what to do if you give them all the relevant information.

olly300

pmduk wrote: »

If the bank has told you that this is their final response, then you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman. However it isn't a quick process. Some 16% of complaints take more than 12 months to complete.

Agreed.

They take about 5 months to allocate your case to an adjudicator and depending on:
1. How complex your case is, and
2. How co-operative the financial company is ,
it can then take anything from another 2 months plus for your case to be resolved.

However if you speak to the FOS they will tell you what to do and say to the bank to try and stop your case ending up with them.

p0ttz

I haven't asked the bank why. The letter just says it closed on the 30th December.