Google the Web here 
 

 

Login here to gain access to these Consumer Forums pages and to the forum



Login

Webmail

Access your CAG
webmail here

Consumer News

Have we helped you?

If we have have helped you or if you think that we are doing a good job ...
... please help us to pay our running expenses.
Thanks

Most read items

NatWest historical terms are penalties - Official!!!

Print PDF

NatWest's 2001 historical terms and conditions have been ruled to be unenforceable penalties!!
This seems to be the conclusion of a judgment given today by Judge Andrew Smith, the High Court judge who is presiding over the OFT test case.
This has important consequences for NatWest customers - both pesonal and business.
Other sets of NatWest conditions dated 2003 and 2004 - and all of the terms and conditions of the other banks involved in the cases do not appear to create unenforceable penalties.

Add comment (0)
Hits: 11536

Comparison sites head to head - are they any use?

Print PDF
User Rating: / 10
PoorBest 

This item is intended to generate discussion about comparison sites but it also contains click-thru ads which may help towards our expenses. 
If you would rather try them out directly then please go to their respective websites without clicking the icons below.


Everyone is trying to save money.  It's a serious issue at the best of times.  During the present creditcrunch, it is all a matter of survival.
Computer technology and the internet have allowed the development of comparison sites - each of which claim that they offer you the best overview of competing products and services so that you can find the best bargains for yourself without having to shop around.
Add comment (0)
Hits: 7623

Read more...

Talking to banks or DCAs on the phone

Print PDF
User Rating: / 18
PoorBest 

Don't get involved in telephone calls with banks or debt collectors.  If you do, then here are some simple rules

Generally, don't get involved in telephone conversations with banks, DCAs, accounts departments.
  • They are much more experienced than you are.
  • They have an agenda and it will be in conflict with your best interests.
  • You may end up giving information or agreeing to things which you will regret later

If you are telephoned and you are asked for security details,
Add comment (3)
Hits: 5538

Register to read more...

Give yourself a better chance - Consumer Forums Claims materials

Print PDF
User Rating: / 13
PoorBest 

Most of the people who join the Consumer Forums never imagine that they might be able to stand up for themselves against banks, debt collectors or retailers.  Ordinary people are all too used to putting up with poor service and shoddy treatment.  Big companies - and many small ones are all too used to getting away with not being challenged.
The Consumer Forums provides you with Community, advice and encouragement to stay your ground and to assert your right.
See where uncontrolled and unregulated financial institutions have brought us to today.
It's time you let them know that you won't accept it anymore.


However, you could probably do with some extra help.  The Consumer Forums offers a range of guides, consumer kits and

Add comment (0)
Hits: 21557

Read more...

Halifax, Bank of Scotland continuing to harass customers

Print PDF
User Rating: / 2
PoorBest 



The Bank of Scotland, part of HBOS, has pleaded guilty to contempt of court for contacting one of their customer, from Manchester, in breach of a previous court order.
The customer, David Lloyd, 63,  is expected to die of lung cancer within the next few weeks but despite this the bank telephoned him more than 300 times over a £5000 loan.
The Sunday Times conducted an investigation into the aggressive tactics conducted by HBOS and found that the kind of treatement suffered by Mr Lloyd was not uncommon.  The bank also frequently broke OFT guidelines for the chasing of debts.
HBOS told the Sunday Times “The customer was contacted in error,” he said. “We cannot discuss this case further due to legal reasons.”  They were also unable to explain how they could repeat the same error over 313 times.
Add comment (0)
Hits: 2819

Register to read more...

Brighthouse described as "Credit Crunch Vultures"

Print PDF
User Rating: / 3
PoorBest 



High Street firm BrightHouse, which offers the poorest and most desparate families the chance to own flashy household goods in  rent-to-buy schemes has been described as "Vultures" by The News of the World.

Forty per cent of customers are single mothers and the vast majority are on low incomes, many on benefits, and unable to get credit anywhere else.  Brighthouse targets particular postcode areas and opens up stores in the poorest most deprived parts of the UK.  Their customers pay a small weekly sum for branded goods such as TVs and washing machines — but often end up shelling out DOUBLE the normal price.
The News of the World investigation found that the firm charges a whopping interest rate of 29.9 per cent APR. But it really makes its money from expensive add-ons in the form of the service cover and Damage Liability Cover, which is compulsory for customers with no home contents insurance.
Add comment (0)
Hits: 2257

Register to read more...

More Articles...