Downgrading a Lloyds Platinum Account : A Lesson in how to patronise customers

anna42hmr

JuicyJesus wrote: »

This is what you get when MSE launches "reclaim packaged accounts" campaigns which encourage people to put in complaints on the basis of "I don't remember" or "I wasn't told". They make you watch the video because it ensures that all relevant information is given in a consistent, compliant manner so that years down the line when Martin Lewis or his ilk decide to start another campaign about missold whatever they know exactly what was said with no room for the information being incorrect.

If you want to blame anyone, don't blame Lloyds. Blame the idiots who started reclaim campaigns and encouraged spurious complaints, who Lloyds are now reacting to.

Completely agree and not to mention the claims management companies who have jumped on the same bandwagon.

The frustrating thing is that they (and MSE) also seem to imply 1. to claim regardless and 2. if the company declines the complaint to go to the financial ombudsman service, this drives me nuts as it delays the genuine complaints both at the bank and the fos.

I know someone who has tried to do an mis-sale claim and when the bank declined the complaint they were not happy with this - however when he went on to tell me the reasons why - i.e. made use of the benefits (breakdown and phone ins) declared medical conditions i asked why they thought they were mis-sold it - his response was the claims management company told him it was!! I gave up trying to discuss the matter when he told me that the claims co had sent the decline to the ombudsman.

Not to mention those cases where people clearly know they have this account but are trying their luck as they never used the benefits - why expect the premiums back insurance is incase something happens - i.e you don't expect premiums back if you have home insurance and don't claim, car insurance and don't claim, breakdown insurance and don't claim! so why with these accounts!

Do i believe that some accounts have been mis-sold = yes, do i believe it is any where near the amount that are trying = no way. but yet again another band wagon for people to jump on to!

GingerFurball_2

My favourite is when people say 'oh I didn't realise there were free accounts available.' It's hard not to laugh because it's such an obvious lie.

[Deleted User]

Just write them a letter signed by both account holders, instructing them to downgrade it. If they don't, lodge a formal complaint.

MARTYM8`

This is the way it goes these days.

I went into my local building society - was very clear I wanted to open a particular regular savings account. In the past that would be that - cashier would do it in five minutes flat as an existing customer and I was on my way.

This time I was kept waiting 45 minutes as I had to see a customer advisor under their new policy - as the cashiers can't open savings accounts anymore. I was then asked questions about my savings goals by someone barely out of school - when like most people with cash savings accounts my only goal is to get the best interest I can which is why I wanted to open that account.

I don't know why they assume people have all day to spend time in their branches having extensive chats with their staff just to buy a savings account. Safe to say what used to be a 5 minute job took nearly an hour!

MARTYM8`

solentsusie wrote: »

Just do an account switch as advised. Just because an account has direct debits coming out of it doesn't make it a good reason to keep it open if it is not what you require.

I just did a switch and it was totally painless. And as you have been told, banks pay you to switch. Surely that is incentive enough?

Yes - unless its a club lloyds account which has good savings rates why stay with them?

Switch - and move to someone that wants your custom without wasting your time.

MARTYM8`

Duplicate post

colsten

Was this just another random rant? OP hasn't been seen again since posting.

riverdeep56

Hi there, apologies for not thanking you for your comments. I locked myself out by forgetting my new login, which all goes to show that I am a prime candidate for the Lloyds Bank video for idiots treatment!

I like the idea of asking for the film to be sent - will try that.

It was a bit of a rant you are correct, I have calmed down now - and will probably end up going in to see the nice people at Lloyds to watch their video….. just making the point it is all a bit of a nonsense.

Thank you for your comments, I will let you know the contents of the film. Hang on to your seats.

NotRichAtAll

go like this

http://assets.inhabitat.com/wp-content/blogs.dir/1/files/2010/06/Blind-Can-See-with-radar-1.jpg

or if you do end up watching it, ask them to keep pausing it and ask stupid questions, or to rewind certain bits take a flask and pkt of crisps you could actually have alot of fun with this

jonesMUFCforever

riverdeep56 wrote: »

Hi there, apologies for not thanking you for your comments. I locked myself out by forgetting my new login, which all goes to show that I am a prime candidate for the Lloyds Bank video for idiots treatment!

I like the idea of asking for the film to be sent - will try that.

It was a bit of a rant you are correct, I have calmed down now - and will probably end up going in to see the nice people at Lloyds to watch their video….. just making the point it is all a bit of a nonsense.

Thank you for your comments, I will let you know the contents of the film. Hang on to your seats.

The videos are not just for downgrading accounts - new bank accounts, overdrafts, loans, credit card application,overdraft reductions, and home insurance all have their own one! Sometimes you may need to sit through several!