Fair Trade Practice - con?

Ez_Wen80

Hi, I’m after advice if possible.
I signed up with Fair Trade Practice to investigate PPI on old loans & store cards. Two in particular returned with no results, Barclays & Blackhorse, this was back in Oct/Nov 2018.
With the deadline looming I decided to contact them (barclays & Blackhorse) direct to investigate further into the potential PPI history. Both claims were confirmed as having PPI, Barclays paid out a small sum & Blackhorse are keeping me hanging with a decision BUT following this, Fair Trade Practice contacted me confirming the sale new & I informed them that as I had to do the leg work nearly a year later after they failed, that I will be dealing with them direct. They have now issued me an invoice for “their work in my successful claim” which was actually sod all. However, they have me by the flaps as I signed a form (I don’t recall reading this part) that they can lay 20% to all future claims as their company can prove they initiate all successful claims” (whatever the hell that means). I had spoken to 5 different advisers at this point & politely mentioned that as I had to do the work when their company's efforts proved fruitless, I’ll be dealing with the company direct. Each time, by every adviser, I was met with “ok no problem, we will close the case” with no mention of the implications, no warning, no advice but insisting a cut of a claim that isn’t finalised, has no payout fee as yet & have had no hand in the claim itself. I’ve since had an invoice for the Blackhorse loan which I am still awaiting the results from (they have explained there is PPI but as I was warned off for Op tour in Iraq they believe I may not be entitled). Also, the first call with them their adviser explained “just return the forms & if you don’t wish to proceed, it’s not a problem” but now according to the terms & conditions in font size 2 it is!! Do I have to pay them? I’ve been advised no by a solicitor friend who hasn’t had chance to check the paperwork but wondered if anyone has had the same experience? I have also contacted Watchdog who have got in touch & are “looking into it”.

Ez_Wen80

*same news not sale new

SonOf

However, they have me by the flaps as I signed a form (I don’t recall reading this part) that they can lay 20% to all future claims as their company can prove they initiate all successful claims” (whatever the hell that means).

That is an unfair contract term. They cannot have an open statement like that when their service is transactional. i.e. put in a complaint. it fails or succeeds. they then bill you or tell you it failed and they closed the case.

Do I have to pay them?

The good news is that as of April this year, CMCs are now regulated by the FCA. This means they now have to follow the very same complaints process that they have been using against the banks. This includes you have access to the FOS if they mess you about with your complaint.

So, you now make a complaint to Fairtrade stating that their service ended when they failed to succeed with the 2018 complaint and closed the case. And that all the actions you recently carried out were done by you and not them.

Expect Fairtrade to reject the complaint (early evidence is that most CMCs are rejecting complaints too easily. You then refer the complaint ot the FOS. The FOS is upholding a high number of complaints against CMCs.

it is somewhat ironic to use the complaints process back at companies like this.

Ez_Wen80

Hi,
Thanks so much for your response.

Can you tell me if you’re aware of a PPI Company ombudsman to complain to also or just complain to FTP direct?

Ez_Wen80

Can you decipher CMC & FOS please?

Browntoa

CMC = claims management company

FOS = financial ombudsman service

Ez_Wen80

Thanks again, really appreciate it

Ez_Wen80

Also they have called me 4 times last few days inc Sunday & BH Monday to tell me I need to pay an invoice for work carried out for a claim that isn’t settled. They’re also pressuring me to tell them how much I received on a claim that I investigated myself & want their 25%. The woman said it’s their legal right to know & they can take me to court. It’s all getting a bit much, I’m a single working parent & I chased these PPI claims to pay debt I incurred after divorce & a negative equity house sale. I’m just trying to get back on my feet but I’m feeling the pressure from FTP!

SonOf

Have you raised a complaint against them yet?