Trying to reclaim bank charges but debt passed on to debt agency

Saronn

Hi I've recently decided to claim back some bank charges that were applied to my bank account a couple of years ago, I was in severe hardship at the time and could not afford to pay the'debt' which was largely made up of the bank charges!. So I've written out a letter and will be sending it to the bank recorded delivery, however i've just recieved a letter from a Debt recoveries agency stating i need to pay the debt in 7 working days!
So what should I do, continue to dispute bank charges with my bank or talk to the recoveries agency?
Please help

Wywth

Saronn wrote: »

Hi I've recently decided to claim back some bank charges that were applied to my bank account a couple of years ago, I was in severe hardship at the time and could not afford to pay the'debt' which was largely made up of the bank charges!. So I've written out a letter and will be sending it to the bank recorded delivery, however i've just recieved a letter from a Debt recoveries agency stating i need to pay the debt in 7 working days!
So what should I do, continue to dispute bank charges with my bank or talk to the recoveries agency?
Please help

Why didn't you claim back the charges at the time you were in hardship 2 years ago?

You've probably missed the boat now and not only will you have to pay the bank charges, but the DCA fees too now.

Please do not ignore debts - they never disappear just grow to bet bigger.

dunstonh

Financial hardship criteria is about your current position. Not historic position.

Not only does it sound like you missed the boat on bank charges reclaims but have als rocked the boat by bringing yourself to their attention and noticing that a debt exists and now they have your details to chase it.

Saronn

Hi thanks for the replies... according to Martin's Reclaiming Bank Charges guide, there's still a chance to get some charges refunded...also I've read a few success stories on here about people that have recently reclaimed for past charges and the bank has used it's descretion and good will to refund some or all charges...so I disagree regarding the 'current' situation stance.
The debt exists, i'm not dishonest and don't want to hide it so having it brought to their attention is not a problem with me.

dunstonh

according to Martin's Reclaiming Bank Charges guide, there's still a chance to get some charges refunded

Yes there is. 1) goodwill gesture - typically first time error or 2) meeting the financial hardship criteria.

also I've read a few success stories on here about people that have recently reclaimed for past charges and the bank has used it's descretion and good will to refund some or all charges...so I disagree regarding the 'current' situation stance.

You may disagree but current financial hardship is the criteria.

Saronn

These are posts by members of the forums...success stores...and some not current hardship cases:

forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2248309&page=45

Please tell me what i'm missing

dunstonh

Saronn wrote: »

These are posts by members of the forums...success stores...and some not current hardship cases:

forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.php?t=2248309&page=45

Please tell me what i'm missing

That first person was reclaiming £85. That suggests a first time error. It also applies to a charge made this year.

The other a few posts down is currently in a DMP which indicates current financial hardship and the last one on that page is clearly in current hardship.