Don't be put off by banks challenging unfair charges claims

Amidst the growing controversy over UK banks charging customers extortionate and unjustified fees for going over their overdraft limits, experts are advising consumers not to be put off from trying to reclaim their fees by the underhand tactics that many of the banks are said to be using. It has been claimed that banks are doing everything from delaying sending out statements and information regarding the customer's account to threatening to close the customer's account if the customer threatens them with legal action.

Many consumers in the UK have already claimed back what have been classed as unfair charges by the Office of Fair Trading, with some making claims going back six years and running into thousand of pounds. Some have even resorted to sending bailiffs to the banks in question when they have been refused payment on their past charges. Others have resorted to taking court action, but so far no bank official has actually attended court in order to justify the charges that have been made.

One personal finance campaigner stated: 'We believe that banks have been over-charging customers who exceed their overdraft limit for years…In an attempt to avoid paying consumers what they are due, we have found that banks are employing increasingly underhand methods to avoid their responsibility to treat their customers fairly and refund the charges.'

Consumers are advised to request past statements going back up to six years in order to identify when they have been charged. They should then write to the bank with a list of charges that they wish to reclaim, and should chase a response after about two weeks. If the banks refuse payment the consumer can then seek legal advice. The financial ombudsman service is also available for further advice on this matter.