Co-Op closing my account

Capri-Paul

Hi folks,

A bit of advice needed please.

I've got an account with co-op and they have recently closed my account!

The back story, I'm self emplyed and been using the co-op (cashminder) as my main account for day to day living and to get things and invoices paid in.

Recently I did a job for someone, invoiced them with an electronic invoice, I got paid with VAT added as well. Then about 10 days after I noticed the money had been taken out of my account! So naturally I tried to get into internet banking and couldn't. I phone co-op and they said I had to call the fraud department which I did.

Their tone literally changed straight away and I was made out to be a criminal! They said that they were giving me notice of their intention to close my account! I was shocked and mortified! I asked why and they said they couldn't discuss the details with me. They said it was to do with a payment I had received!

I said the exact amount taken out was identical to what was paid in! They said it was to do with that payment but could not tell me any details.

I sent them a copy of the invoice, the invoice was made to one company but unbeknown to me was paid by a different company.

I told the co-op I didn't care who paid the invoice as long as I got paid!

I contacted my customer and they told me something about the invoice should have gone to a different company and their account had a block on it because of a mistake at their bank.

I've tried to explain this to the co-op but they will not listen!

I got so fed up, angry and stressed not only with being down by a fair bit of money but also with the co-op so decided to cut my losses and opened a new account elsewhere.

I've had a letter today from the co-op saying to go into a branch to collect any outstanding balances. It really does feel like a kick in the teeth and being made to feel like I've done something wrong!

What I'm worried about now is will I get a cifas against me as I've read of this ruining peoples lives and is there any legal route I can take or could I even contact the police for their help?

thanks.

P.S - before anyone says, yes I know I shouldn't have been using it as a business account!

DCFC79

What offence has been committed for the police to be called ?

I understand your annoyed with the situation.

dr_adidas01

So as you have pointed out yourself you have been using your own personal account as a business account, which is a breach of the T&C's of operating the account.

Co-Op have seen this and done exactly what they said they would do if you breached the T&C's close your account, and now your complaining because Co-Op have followed there procedures, where you have not.

As for the money your client has or hasn't paid you will have to take the issue up with them.

grumbler

dr_adidas01 wrote: »

As for the money your client has or hasn't paid you will have to take the issue up with them.

Well, it isn't clear yet what happened to the money and why.

All what we know is that it "had been taken out of ...account". Taken obviously by the bank.

giblet10

So, somebody paid some money into this persons account. Have I missed how the coop knew it was for services rendered?

I agree he's breached the T&C's of the account by using it for business but I don't get how they knew.

I doubt coop would be in the right to put a CIFAS on file - he hasn't broken the law, only their terms and conditions.