For 30 years I’ve had the same branch building society account which ended as Bradford and Bingley.
The last 14 years I had a box number for my mail (and all BB statements, etc sent). [Ie, since my wrongly delivered mail ‘neighbours’ opened/discarded].
I requested transferring my money to a better interest account (than 0.01%), and was told ‘after September’ I could have an Abbey Account.
In October I noticed every other in the queue had red (Abbey) passbooks. On asking how they got them – they were just given them. [I had a number written on a BB business card in lieu of my former plastic BB account card].
I asked the cashier for the ‘promised’ Abbey account, and told I must have a (50 minute) interview. Also, Abbey won’t accept a box number address. [I am currently NFA – my landlady’s repossession ensured my sudden eviction! ].
Also, in short, I don’t have any required data on Abbey’s lists. I offered my disabled badge. Ie, my photo, signature, identification number, recognised body (Devon County Council) and expiry date – similar to a photo driving licence. “It is not on our list! ” Again, fast forwarding, they reneged offering to help - viz, “we have many other customers in the same predicament. We will try for a solution”, into “There is no one else who does not comply with Abbey’s protocol”. [I was peppered with this word]. Instead, as I picked up their “Commitment to our Customers” leaflet, she ‘offered’ closing my account “So that you can go elsewhere”.
I am not happy with Abbey’s attitude via the (young blonde staff’s) abject arrogance/rudeness, but why should I go elsewhere? [I can’t help being a ‘low income’ State Pensioner – it was never an issue/problem before (Abbey). I used to have an Abbey National Mortgage! ].
What's wrong with common sense being employed here. And if I no longer have a BB account; that Abbey has 'transferred' my money to themselves (without my knowledge, prior agreement or permission) then they should honour an account. Otherwise that's theft.
"Rules are for the guidance of wise men and the slavish obsession of fools", albeit the staff know me/who I am. Thus, surely my 30 year loyalty should entitle me not now being discriminated against simply because I don’t fit/tick all the ‘right’ boxes?
Please help resolve this. I know the branch staff/HO will not bother to do so.
PS: I live very simple and a basic existence. I don’t have firearms licence – luckily, by my mal-treatment in this fiasco! (joke, OK). I don’t have Swiss Nationality, N/Irish voters card, passport, tax return, bank account (thanks to Abbey), credit/debit cards, etc, etc, etc. My pension Giros are in a former name from 40 years ago – Deed Poll long lost.
0 comments