MSE guide to using the Financial Ombudsman

Former_MSE_Wendy

The MSE Bank Charges article has now been updated to include a full section on whether to use the court or the Financial Ombudsman (FOS) as well as how to complete the FOS's complaint form if you choose this route.

As this is a new system, we welcome any feedback so please click reply to discuss.

Thanks

MSE Wendy

suzy_g

Thank Wendy for the good information. My daughter is about to got this route, she has sent a few letters off the Lloyd's but they refuse to acknowledge they over charge her, they themselves have recommended she get in touch with the financial ombudsman so i have given her the forms, will let everyone know the outcome
suzy

Purpss

Hi I'm reclaiming nearly £2000 (inc int) from Nationwide in back back charges for my OH and they suggested we contact the FO,that was about 3 weeks ago and we haven't heard from them since. I didn't ring them first , just filed in the form and posted it off to them.Have I made a Booboo?
Thanks in advance for all help
Em:o

daveturney

Hi, decided to go to the FO instead of the courts, called them yesterday they said it'll be a 1 month if im lucky but 2 to 4 month wait is more realistic.
But the gentleman on the phone said

" just to let you know, proceedures are due to change due to the sheer numbers of complaints weve had, but I cant say when or how they will change"

sounds strange, hope he was implying that the process would get speeded up with the banks.

can anyone enlighten me more please?

fan-of-ezio

I am reclaiming my brothers bank charges from Lloyds TSB and, after lots of research on MSE and CAG, I have just decided to go down the FOS route because it still leaves the option of the courts if I don't have a satisfactory outcome.

Thought I would keep a log on here so other can get an idea of timescales etc. I will update as things happen.

28/03/07 requested bank statements - £10 charge
30/04/07 Recived bank statements
05/05/07 Sent letter requesting repayment - £3212.80 + interest
15/05/07 Standard letter received saying charges fair
18/05/07 Sent letter again requesting full refund
21/06/07 Sent letter saying would go to court
03/07/07 Received standard letter offering £750 full and final settlement
06/07/07 Sent letter declining offer
12/07/07 £750 put in bank acount
24/07/07 Sent complaint form to FOS - £3212.80 plus interest, minus £750= £3,000.80

Fingers crossed....I will let you know whats happening!

Friends are angels who lift us up, when our own wings have forgotton how to fly.

smudgemanc26

That's really useful, i just wish it was done before i sent mine off now, it doesnt look as professional as the sample one given but hopefully it will get me the result i want.

daveturney

daveturney wrote: »

Hi, decided to go to the FO instead of the courts, called them yesterday they said it'll be a 1 month if im lucky but 2 to 4 month wait is more realistic.
But the gentleman on the phone said

" just to let you know, proceedures are due to change due to the sheer numbers of complaints weve had, but I cant say when or how they will change"

sounds strange, hope he was implying that the process would get speeded up with the banks.

can anyone enlighten me more please?

Ok, thanks for the merger, but im still curious about these changes.

bohannon67

Just recieved letter today from FOS stating A+L had replied to them offering me £300. My initial complaint was for £550, deciding now wether to accept or decline and go for full investigation. Swayed to the declining side as this offer is well short of what i am asking for. A+L first offered me £120 after using MSE's template letters. Any advice???

daveturney

i find it strange that even when being investigated by the FO the banks still only are offering partial amounts. oh well

fan-of-ezio

I am reclaiming my brothers bank charges from Lloyds TSB and, after lots of research on MSE and CAG, I have just decided to go down the FOS route because it still leaves the option of the courts if I don't have a satisfactory outcome.

Thought I would keep a log on here so other can get an idea of timescales etc. I will update as things happen.

28/03/07 requested bank statements - £10 charge
30/04/07 Recived bank statements
05/05/07 Sent letter requesting repayment - £3212.80 + interest
15/05/07 Standard letter received saying charges fair
18/05/07 Sent letter again requesting full refund
21/06/07 Sent letter saying would go to court
03/07/07 Received standard letter offering £750 full and final settlement
06/07/07 Sent letter declining offer
12/07/07 £750 put in bank acount
24/07/07 Sent complaint form to FOS - £3212.80 plus interest, minus £750= £3,000.80

Update:............ 01/08/07 Just got back from hol's and read about the test case...AAARRRGGGHHH!!

Have not had any response from FOS as yet, but going to write today and give details of my brothers financial hardship:

On jobseekers allowance (£236 a month)
Should be paying out £250+ a month to cover loans etc
Homeless - staying with various friends / family

:A Friends are Angels who lift us up, when our own wings have forgotton how to fly

DUDDERS_3

Just Accepted Via Fos £2848.00 From Lloyds Tsb On 25/07/07
Get Told It Will Take 28 Days To Hit My Account But Lloyds Are Paying Out 7-10 Days To Customers Dealt Direct With Them.
I Think It Unfair
Any Thoughts Out There