Common misconceptions

Kurt_Hamster

Dylanwing wrote: »

A little bit off topic and apologies if it is elsewhere - Is that right that I can get details of all of the notations on my credit card account under the DPA 1998?

Yes you can, in fact I'd hazard a suggestion that this is the main reason for the DPA so an individual can see what is on computer record about them.

Personally I think all the SAR templates should be amended to specifically include the request for logs and notations, instead of the "or statements will suffice". Statements will suffice as an alternative for a listing of charges, but they won't suffice as an alternative to the logs and notations. There should also be specific notification as to the absence of any logs or notations too.

Basically the idea of receiving the logs and notations is to show that there was human activity involved in the processing of the charge or lack of logs would show that it was an automatic process. This is essential information when trying to prove that the penalty charges amounts aren't commensurate with the cost of processing the charge.

Kurt_Hamster

10) That you are the first person to experience what you are experiencing and and need an answer for.

You are not unique in this respect so look at the "stickies" at the top of page one, look in the message thread that carries the name of your bank.

Most times the answer you are looking for is there. There's no need to plough straight in with a question without reading first. Your question is highly likely to have been asked and answered many times.

frugalpam

Twinkly wrote: »

8) That some forum helpers think you should read the entire forum before asking a question ?

I agree it is exasperating when the same question is asked in a thread time and again when the answer is usually to be found on the first page of the thread but this forum can be a huge place to find a particular answer to a particular question and it is sometimes easier to just start a new thread. All thanks are due to the board guides for merging these to the proper threads and/or posting links to the answers required.

However, I've seen some downright snotty and condescending replies to some questions in the last few days and frankly, I am not impressed. It can hardly do the site's reputation any good. If you dont want to answer a question for the 100th time or whatever then dont post, its that simple.

Given that this post is directly under Beate's I must clarify that I dont consider her snotty or condescending, quite the opposite, and note it is simply exasperation that she is expressing.

Thanks Twinkly - I have seen those snotty and condescending posts also, some from newcomers who appear to think they are 'experts' . The Board guides do an awful lot of hard work as you say, merging posts to the proper threads etc to help make the site more manageable. Those who are new to the forum must find it daunting to find just the right thread, as I did in the early days - I was always grateful to be pointed in the right direction by people such as Edinburghlass. I'm glad to give help to newbies when time permits, and I don't care for the snotty treatment recently being dished out to new folk here.
Thanks for posting that :T

Pam

natweststaffmember

I think Kurt has hit the nail on the head. Subject Access Requests are not just statements, they are data held by many on the bank.
With regards to the other comments. Let us be honest sometimes we can read one thing into an answer and sometimes we read something else. Maybe a Private Message to the person concerned may be appropriate.
We have all been newbies once on a charge reclaiming site. Each of us have individual views on the process concerned. Mine is simple 100% or the bank have still won something. Others will view 90% as a win as previously they would have thought they would get nothing so i guess there is two schools of thought. I think the simplest thing to say is to walk in someone else's shoes and be calm in posting.

natweststaffmember

I have re read this post and wanted to add one thing to it. It is tough posting with a wealth of knowledge and we are all guilty of posting something which we are frustrated the poster does not know, however, when the person asking the question has been stamped on by the bank concerned their self esteem is low. The person feels stupid and sometimes needs an answer there and then. I think I have answered about 4000 questions on what charge is this?(and yes i know i have not posted 4000 times on this site) and to be honest, the poster may know the answer but their self esteem maybe almost on the floor that they need someone to respond to their question. I will answer it again and again and again.

frugalpam

natweststaffmember wrote: »

I have re read this post and wanted to add one thing to it. It is tough posting with a wealth of knowledge and we are all guilty of posting something which we are frustrated the poster does not know, however, when the person asking the question has been stamped on by the bank concerned their self esteem is low. The person feels stupid and sometimes needs an answer there and then. I think I have answered about 4000 questions on what charge is this?(and yes i know i have not posted 4000 times on this site) and to be honest, the poster may know the answer but their self esteem maybe almost on the floor that they need someone to respond to their question. I will answer it again and again and again.

It's a daunting propostion, taking a Bank to court. I've never taken anyone to Court before, let alone a financial institution. I'd think probably 99.99% of people reclaiming bank charges are in the same position.
I did research the 'sticky' threads and read up comprehensively before I got started, but those intimidating letters from the Bank and Cobbetts have made me feel sick to the stomach and doubt myself. It is good to have a place to share that, and just get that reassurance that yes, we are doing things right after all. I've been overwhelmed by the support and encouragement I've had from strangers here, and am more than glad to stick around and answer questions if I can. When we're panicking about what to do next or how to deal with a letter, we sometimes need to post a 'help' because we're too preoccupied and panicky to plough through a lot of reading.
Debt and financial worries are a lonely place to be - finding this site was a godsend.

Pam

Kurt_Hamster

Bumpsy-daisy

slippyhelen

In my opinion this is absolutely the best site for forums (and help) EVER because most forums have regular geeks who chat to each other and have an American Werewolf in London mentality where strangers are not welcome and newbies will be eaten alive and doused with condescending bile. They pick holes in grammar and knowledge and generally pull people apart so they never post again. I've seen some of your answers to really daft questions and you always seem to have such pateince and good grace and on forums this is so rarely found. I think you're all wonderful. I suspect you all get terribly frustrated but please know how appreciated you are. I'm not unique (at least not in this) and thousands of people here are indebted to you personally and financially.
Loving your work!X