Clydesdale Bank issues

rellims

Hello,

1st post - did try to read through it all and work out how best to act but it's been hard to know what the best way to go about challenging these guys is.

I had debt with Clydesdale Bank from between 10-15 years ago. I cleared it in 2005 but I'm certain there was PPI during this period and that it may be a reasonable amount.

I tried to claim this back but they don't have my details as it's so long ago - so they are effectively denying I was ever a customer, which is wrong (used to visit the branch every other week - branch is now closed). I then tried using a PPI company to see if they could do it better but they got the same blocker.

I saw how difficult they have been with other consumers so it's clear they are trying to avoid me too and hope I go away. Aware of the deadlines so I don't want to let it slide.

Is sending a SAR form to them the best way to challenge this? I saw the template but don't have the account numbers. Had a current account and loan, possibly a credit card too. Also, the £10, is there any other way of paying other than by cheque? Have written 1 cheque in my life nearly 20 years ago... Don't have a cheque book. Or is there another way?

Sorry if the questions are basic and have no doubt been covered before, but I'm new to this place and hoping someone can help. Thanks if so.

dunstonh

Is sending a SAR form to them the best way to challenge this?

Making a DSAR doesnt challegenge anything. It is just a request for information that they hold. Now, if they do supply information that shows you had PPI and they said they didnt, then that is where you challenge them.

Also, the £10, is there any other way of paying other than by cheque? Have written 1 cheque in my life nearly 20 years ago... Don't have a cheque book. Or is there another way?

Postal order is the other option.

rellims

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, aware that’s just an information request - what I’m meaning by challenge is that they are basically denying I was ever a customer, which is a lie, so thinking this should be my best approach but unsure if they’ll still hold my details.

Does it matter that I’ve not been a customer for about 12 years? i.e. will they still have my details on record and will they still be obliged to share the info? Never been through that process before. I had been a customer for the previous 5-7 years (from sometime between 1998 and 2000 til 2005) before shutting all of the accounts down.

[Deleted User]

rellims wrote: »

what I’m meaning by challenge is that they are basically denying I was ever a customer, which is a lie

You're misunderstanding their response. They are not lying.

They are saying they have no record of you, as they appear to have removed your details, in accordance with the DPA.

dunstonh

The recommendation is that firms start destroying records 6 years after they are no longer required. Typically banks dont immediately destroy all records when that point is reached. it tends to be a more phased approach. However, 12 years after you ceased being a customer, you wouldnt expect much left on file.

rellims

Thanks - no idea how this works so appreciate the advice.

I did get some back from Egg or whoever bought the remains and was a customer there til about 2003 - got it back with interest last year, so makes me wonder how it works.

Basically, am I as well just forgetting about it?

dunstonh

rellims wrote: »

Thanks - no idea how this works so appreciate the advice.

I did get some back from Egg or whoever bought the remains and was a customer there til about 2003 - got it back with interest last year, so makes me wonder how it works.

So, basically, am I as well just forgetting about it?

It is upto each firm to decide how long they consider is appropriate. The GDPR coming in next year will likely speed up the destruction of data.

The type of data retained and data storage methods can vary across firms. It also depends on when the firm went to electronic centralised data systems from branch based paper records. Along with when they went to pdf (or equivalent) scans. Electronic records take up less space and are likely to be slower for destruction. So, there are so many variables and no set rules. Just guidance open to interpretation.

[Deleted User]

rellims wrote: »

Basically, am I as well just forgetting about it?

It's entirely up to you whether to send them a SAR. It'll either be a total waste of time and money or £10 well spent.

I fear that, with no documentation from your own archive, you are not going to be able to advance this. Remember also that proving the existence of PPI is just the first step in a complaint. If you want it to be refunded, you'd also have to show it was mis-sold.

rellims

Thanks folks, appreciate the advice. Clears it up for me.

I think I'll chance it anyway, curious now.

Cheers!

[Deleted User]

rellims wrote: »

I think I'll chance it anyway, curious now.

Any reason why your Claim Company didn't attempt a SAR on your behalf?

CMCs are normally hungry for their fee and don't normally give up easily.

sun73

rellims wrote: »

Thanks for the reply. Yeah, aware that’s just an information request - what I’m meaning by challenge is that they are basically denying I was ever a customer, which is a lie, so thinking this should be my best approach but unsure if they’ll still hold my details.

Does it matter that I’ve not been a customer for about 12 years? i.e. will they still have my details on record and will they still be obliged to share the info? Never been through that process before. I had been a customer for the previous 5-7 years (from sometime between 1998 and 2000 til 2005) before shutting all of the accounts down.

By all means try a SAR but I think you'll struggle without the account number because many banks say they can't search their archives e.g. microfiche records (where transaction information and statements are held) without the account number.

A relative of mine received copies of statements from this bank for an account that was closed in 1998 but he did have the relevant reference number.

Having said that if you were still a customer until 2005, its not that long ago, so you could try the PPI information enquiry form on the bank's website and keep looking for that all important number