Struggling and need help....

mikee31

Having recently had my LBM i decided that I wasn't going to repay my CC's, Loans and PDL's this month and instead start a process to enter into a DMP.

So, I contacted Stepchange, setup a new unrelated Natwest bank account, cancelled all the DD's and SO's and asked Santander to stop any further transactions and close my old account, wrote to all my creditors to say I couldn't afford to pay the outstanding amounts and was entering into a DMP with Stepchange.

I also asked my employer to change my bank account details so that my wages went into my new account. Today they went into my old Santander account and Wonga went in and pretty much took the lot. I am now skint.

1. I am annoyed at Wonga for taking the money.
2. I am annoyed at Santander for not doing as I'd asked.
3. I'm annoyed at my employer for making the mistake with wage transfer.
4. I am annoyed at myself for getting in to this mess.

What can I do? Please help.

P.S. 'Annoyed' is a massive understatement.

*Foolish*

If you asked Santander to stop all CPA's then they should refund the money that Wonga has taken. Did you put it in writing to Santander? Are Wonga aware that you are entering a DMP?

mikee31

Yes, I wrote to Santander stating all the reg's regarding stopping CPA's. Santander are saying that firstly the Wonga transaction will have to go onto my statement (1st Oct) and then a dispute can be put in writing (which will take 7-10 days!).

Yes I wrote to Wonga saying I was entering a DMP with Stepchange and we would be in contact shortly to discuss repayment.

*Foolish*

I have no experience with Santander, but that's pretty shocking! At the end of the day they've allowed a transaction to take place which you have not authorised. That money should be back in your account by close of business today! Wonga should have put your account on hold once you advised them you were entering a DMP, but I know that they will continue to try to take the funds until a repayment plan is in place, which is ridiculous!
I'm sure you'll get some more replies shortly from the more knowledgable people on here! But I think you need to get back on to Santander and demand the money is back into your account, or even talk to the FOS for some advice, or StepChange.
I hope it gets sorted for you.

dinky201

yea i known people had this problem with payday company's

Go in your bank account taking what they want, STEALING..
Noone has the right to go in you account without your permission, not even the HMRC.

stealing is stealing, Even the HRMC have the decentcy to ask you to pay them.

Phone youre banks fraud deptment tell them what happen and you should get your money back in 6weeks-2months.
Banks get this all the time.

Report wonga to OFT

mikee31

Thanks Foolish/Dinky.

Have been on to Santander all morning, but being passed from one dept to another and basically told that cannot stop payments, disputes have to be submitted, takes time for decisions, etc, etc.

So angry right now. Haven't got time to be waiting for money as have bills etc to pay.

iancrt

how recent was your LBM?

Seems to me the employer is at fault for paying to the wrong place, your money is now in an account that was supposed to be closed,
Assuming all required notice periods were long enough you should be asking your employer why you haven't been paid.

dinky201

even better you could go in the bank and fill in the forms there, save musical chairs business on the phone.

if you owe rent or something, tell them you been robbed from your account, they should be understanding.


If Wonga did that to me, I wouldn't ever pay them a penny again for breach of contract and committing illegal offences lol

determined_new_ms

When were you paid today? Your employer should be able to reverse the payment. As far as I can see both your employer and bank are at fault here and the money should be refunded