Bank opened a credit card without consent

nik_k

I'm after a bit of advice...a bank has recently opened a credit card for my wife without her consent. It's a card with a monthly fee attached to it. The first she knew of it was when her aunt, with whom she used to live, let her know there was a statement waiting for her, saying she owed the first month's fee.

She has since contacted the bank, via webchat, and they have said it was a mistake and they'd cancel the card and the fee. However, they have refused to give a contact name each time she's requested one, and have also said they can't send her any proof of the mistake and the resolution. It's very easy for them to hide behind a faceless webchat!

What's her best course of action?

Willing2Learn

If it were me, I would write to the applicable bank, complaining that the card account was opened without knowledge and consent. That opens up a complaint procedure and means your wife will have to get a written response. You then will also have a paper trail (just in case).


I would also check my credit files with the three main CRAs, to ensure accuracy of data.

nik_k

So send a letter, recorded delivery to prove receipt, which would prompt them to reply in writing? Sounds like a plan!

This is actually a foreign bank, but I’m sure the same principles apply, but no issue with CRAs

Grey_Critic

"So send a letter, recorded delivery to prove receipt, which would prompt them to reply in writing? Sounds like a plan!"

"This is actually a foreign bank, but I’m sure the same principles apply, but no issue with CRAs"


Sensible suggestion but I would also inform the FSA. Might be a foreign bank but they are required to comply with our regulations to trade in the UK.

EachPenny

Grey_Critic wrote: »

Sensible suggestion but I would also inform the FSA. Might be a foreign bank but they are required to comply with our regulations to trade in the UK.

Assuming the bank are aware the OP's wife is living in the UK... if letters are going to the aunt's house that might not be the case.

[Deleted User]

Grey_Critic wrote: »

Sensible suggestion but I would also inform the FSA.

FSA is the Food Standards Agency. They'll only be interested if the bank is selling out of date sausage rolls.

FOS would be the place to go.

p00hsticks

nik_k wrote: »

So send a letter, recorded delivery to prove receipt, which would prompt them to reply in writing? Sounds like a plan!

I don't think recorded delivery exists any more - if you mean 'signed for', then there is no need to go to that expense - in fact, it can be counter productive because the recipient can refuse to sign for it.

Instead, simply send it via the normal mail but get a receipt of posting at the post office. Legally it's assumed that letters posted via Royal Mail will be received by the addressee a day or two later (Government organisations such as local councils, DWP, HMRC etc take this approach).


https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/367/related/1/session/L2F2LzEvdGltZS8xNTQ0MTQwNzczL2dlbi8xNTQ0MTQwNzczL3NpZC9mVWdtd1RqaXNEZEgwZTR6WmN6YlZiamJYb2hmcmclN0VVNXlYN0k3TTdYX01Nd0lsYnQlN0U3Vlp3Y3ZIMldja3JFZlBxZDU3akZpV1ZYSWlyQlNNX0xjeGVDbUgzY2VKSVZfaWZxVmFWVlpqVFR2TGpvMWd2dXBzUmdRJTIxJTIx

knightfox

I had this from a savings account by Tesco. Its obviously a fraud but by who no one knows, or cares. I would check your wifes credit files and keep an eye on all accounts. The friendly fraudsters might be testing to see what they can get away with. When I called tesco, I didnt know anything apart from opening letters they were aware of this sort of action and put me through to fraud very quickly.