Conned by a claim collection company?

JustChris

I recently applied for a PPI refund via the NatWest web site and was told someone would be in touch shortly. A day or so later a claims company called me and gave me the clear impression that they had been asked to do so by NatWest. I discussed a single loan with them and they agreed to pursue a claim.

Didn't hear anything from anyone for about two months then suddenly I got three letters from NatWest offering payments on three separate loans. One of them was the loan I'd discussed with the claims company and referenced them directly, the other two were for other loans not previously discussed (these seem to be from loans from some time ago).

The claims company are now demanding their cut of all three loans. They are also claiming their per centage based on the gross payout, not the net sums I have actually received. This takes their cut in real terms from the 25% the told me about to nearer 33%. I now know that NatWest don't use claim companies and realise that throughout I have been operating under a mistaken impression that this was the way it had to be done.

Two questions:

(1) By their own admisssion, the claim company only approached NatWest about one of the three loans. Am I really obliged to pay them a per centage of the other two?

(2) To what is it worth pursuing my belief that I was essentially defrauded into pursuing a claim through this company when the reality seems to be that simply registering my complaint on the NatWest web site would have had the same end result? I would certainly not have use this company if I knew I had a choice.

I have segregated the funds so if I do have to pay on all three I can do so, but I don't want to do so without exploring my options.

dunstonh

They are also claiming their per centage based on the gross payout, not the net sums I have actually received.

That is quite normal.

(1) By their own admisssion, the claim company only approached NatWest about one of the three loans. Am I really obliged to pay them a per centage of the other two?

Depends on the contract you sign. Claims companies often word it as "all" from that provider. Hence why the put in the complaint against "all" of your loans.

(2) To what is it worth pursuing my belief that I was essentially defrauded into pursuing a claim through this company when the reality seems to be that simply registering my complaint on the NatWest web site would have had the same end result? I would certainly not have use this company if I knew I had a choice.

Claims companies are a modern day scam with very little consumer protection. However, you can complain to the ministry of justice about what they said. If they did say it then it is a blatant (and quite common) rule breach.