TSB bank blocking account

Chargeor67

Recently opened a bank account on line for my mother in law who sold her property.
Had the money transferred into her tab account and was going to do a number of bill payments as she requested.
I was able to set up one Bill payment to PayPal but all others were unsuccessful in setting up so as she wanted money transferring to another bank sent several transactions to PayPal and was then forwarding this to her other bank account.
Having done this I then contacted tsb customer service to check why the bill payment hadn't worked and also to check why my mother in law couldn't use the arm and was told there were no problems and to try again. I tried several times to no avail so rang customer services again to be told nothing wrong at there end must be a problem with the receiving bank. Later the same day my mother in law received a call telling her that the account had been frozen and that she would need to go to the branch to prove her identity.
Before going we checked with customer services what I'd would ge ok, did this as my mother in law is 79 and has heart problems and difficulty in walking.
When we saw the advisor we were told that we would need to get proof that the funds had been transferred into my mother in laws other account, she didn't even check the id and was very obnoxious and unhelpful, so we came away. On getting back home we rang the fraud department to ask for their assistance in resolving the matter but they said they were unable to go through security and couldn't help, not very useful.
I rang the branch to check what we needed and was told we needed a copy of the statement showing the funds had gone into her other account so we went to Santander and got a mini statement as this is all they could give us, went back to tab and I was told that this needed to be certified by the bank and that I would not be allowed to be with my mother in law when I got back, this was at frauds request? I made another journey to Santander to be told they do not have branch stamps to certify, so I went back to tab to be told they do and that I was lying.
My dilemma is that my mother in law who is not well cannot deal with this on her own, and cannot access her considerable funds as she cannot prove with a certified copy statement.
Does anyone know the law on how to get these funds back and where we stand with regards to a 3rd party been with an account holder when the bank are discussing ge account?

gunsandbanjos

Setting up a brand new account, transferring a "considerable " amount in then trying to set up a bunch of payments out is a HUGE red flag.

I'm not surprised it's been blocked, the bank will require you to prove your entitlement to these funds before they will lift the block.

If your mother in law hasn't already she will also need to verify her identity in branch.

It may seem to you that the bank is being difficult but there are very strict laws surrounding such matters and they need to have the proof they have asked for.

Don't go in all guns blazing and be a stroppy mare, they are just doing what they are required to.

ETA no a mini statement is not sufficient at all.

gunsandbanjos

Also it sounds like they are trying to ascertain whether you are coercing her, again not unreasonable. I'm sure you're lovely and have her best interests at heart but trust me banks see a lot of people who act like that and are actually ripping the old dear off.

colsten

To operate an account for somebody else you need a POA. Shouldn't be a problem to get this set up as your mother in law seems happy for you to handle her money.

pmduk

Chargeor67 wrote: »

so I went back to tab to be told they do and that I was lying.

I have to say I've never heard of a bank's branch that doesn't use stamps for everything.

xylophone

Your MIL will need to go to the bank with any documentation needed.

In view of her poor health, it would be best to make an appointment.

Explain that your MIL is elderly and has health problems so that an appropriate room can be provided.

In the mean time, it would be advisable for you or her child to obtain POA.

https://www.gov.uk/power-of-attorney/overview

jonesMUFCforever

Assumimg MIL would already hold a bank account why did son open a new account?

10pence

New account, several payments to Paypal and no form of authority - whether it be 3rd party access or POA in place you. Not surprised the bank blocked the account.

colsten wrote: »

To operate an account for somebody else you need a POA. Shouldn't be a problem to get this set up as your mother in law seems happy for you to handle her money.

POA is not only way to help someone manage a bank account, third party access will also someone to else to manage an account within set limits.

gunsandbanjos

I love it when you take the time to give advice and the OP doesn't bother coming back.