Overdraft charges for 20+ years

Khala1971

Hi guys just wanted to get some advice on how to approach this matter…

This lady (my mums friend)  had an overdraft which she’s had with TSB from over 20 years ago the limit is £2,500 and she had to use do to financials and family Issues, this lady has paid interest on the over draft for over 20+ years each month the bank have charged her around £70-£100 a month in overdraft charges. She has paid nearly 5x her overdraft limit in interests charges as she has continually kept paying as it kept putting her in unplanned overdraft.

She does not speak good English, and had no idea what her options or what to do the bank never advised her or offered any support, over the 20 years this lady has lost 2 children through to illnesses on two separate occasions on top of this this lady has had to claim benefits to survive her husband went through a open heart surgery even through all of this and the financial and emotional distress she was going through the bank manage to carry on charging her without offering any help, the fact this women had no other option she wrote to the bank regarding her situation and how it’s affecting her mental state

she at a age where she is not tech savvy they failed to communicate with her numerous times she even went into the branch and attempted to speak directly and she was still approached with same we can’t help you kind of manner.

I just recently found out as this women has spoken to my mum and through speaking my mum found this out and asked me if this is even legal. She’s paid the overdraft charges till now and it’s only come to my attention as she’s been struggling even more and asked to borrow some money recently.

Thanks in advance (first post on here hope I’m doing it right lol)

dunstonh

I just recently found out as this women has spoken to my mum and through speaking my mum found this out and asked me if this is even legal

Yes it is.   If you borrow money you pay interest.   Interest on overdrafts is one of the most expensive (conventional) ways to borrow.   Normally you don't pay charges unless you exceed your overdraft limits.

[Deleted User]

She can ask the bank about a financial hardship case that could freeze interest for a while or even result in a small refund of payments. However, you need to understand this is all proactive stuff, the bank won't approach her (and, crucially, don't need to), they are able to help but only is she asks for it. 

All the other emotional stuff is supportive but she just needs to take the step. They may be able work around her lack of English but 20 years in the UK and she hasn't learnt?