tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40418915798839663872024-03-13T02:04:31.713+00:00HSBC: HassledStunnedBewilderedConfusedJust an ordinary bloke blogging about HSBC's decision to close my accounts with no explanationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-88013109365035277872014-07-31T18:47:00.002+01:002014-07-31T18:47:41.993+01:00HSBC closes Muslim accountsMore injustice from HSBC today, this time targeting UK Muslims. An all too familiar story by now.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.com/news/business-28553921" target="_blank">HSBC closes Muslim accounts</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-77524359374177020122014-03-08T12:05:00.000+00:002014-03-08T12:05:04.672+00:00Deluge of letters from HSBCA few days ago I went to my local branch of HSBC to ask if they could send me PDFs of my past statements, since they withdrew my on-line banking facilities before I could finish downloading them.<br />
<br />
The staff member told me that they couldn't send me PDFs, but they would put them in the post.<br />
<br />
Which century are we in, remind me?<br />
<br />
This morning, I received a deluge of <b>seventeen</b> letters from HSBC containing the statements I'd ordered.<br />
<br />
I sure am glad I changed banks.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-84163703720426248302014-02-21T21:03:00.001+00:002014-02-23T15:25:04.043+00:00End of the road: reply from the Financial Ombudsman<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Dear Mr Roberts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">…Based on the information provided, I can
see that HSBC has made a commercial decision to close your accounts in line
with the terms and conditions of the account. I can understand that after being
a customer for a long time, you would be disappointed to find this out. While I
do appreciate that this distress was genuine, this was not ultimately caused by
the bank making an error… I appreciate that it did not give a reason and I
understand that this is inherently unsatisfactory for you, but HSBC is not
obliged to give a reason, and our service cannot require it to do so…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Yours Sincerely</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Scott Walker</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-GB">Adjudicator</span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-48398629050669262372014-02-06T08:14:00.004+00:002014-02-06T08:14:46.851+00:00HSBC and the Financial OmbudsmanA phone call from the Financial Ombudsman this morning, in response to the complaint I filed with them. Wanted to establish contact and find out more details about my case. He's going to contact HSBC and get back to me.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-39242746621492205932014-01-25T09:09:00.000+00:002014-01-25T09:09:11.780+00:00Another raw deal for HSBC customersMore evidence today of HSBC pulling the carpet from under their customers' feet.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-25861717" target="_blank">HSBC imposes restrictions on large cash withdrawals</a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-50847978779084221042014-01-22T16:09:00.001+00:002014-01-22T16:09:30.468+00:00Reply from Sarah Newton MP<div>
Dear Mr Roberts</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I have now heard back from the Area Director of HSBC in reply to my recent letter on your behalf. While I understand that this will be disappointing for you, HSBC state that they have followed their processes correctly, and because of this their decision is final and not reversible.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Yours Sincerely</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Mrs Sarah Newton MP</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-59266007038939324812014-01-03T10:20:00.004+00:002014-01-03T10:20:52.833+00:00Radio 4 MoneyBox - what happened?All of you who listened into MoneyBox last Saturday deserve an explanation about why you didn't hear my interview.<br />
<br />
I just phoned Lesley McAlpine, the program producer. She said they had to edit me out because they had too much material, and apologised for not informing me beforehand.<br />
<br />
So MoneyBox drop people without warning or explanation: Just like HSBC.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-20060791957220688622013-12-27T19:01:00.004+00:002013-12-27T19:01:56.645+00:00Interview on Radio 4 MoneyboxDon't forget to tune into Radio 4 Money box tomorrow (Saturday 28 December) at noon to hear my interview about HSBC's decision to close my accounts without explanation.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-51062652785233483942013-12-24T16:57:00.000+00:002013-12-24T16:57:30.577+00:00HSBC's incompetent customer service<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Today I received a letter from HSBC about the transfer of my account to NatWest. Most of it is just blurb selfishly protecting themselves from the possibility of me leaving a red balance when I exit. But then the letter ends with this astonishing statement:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><i>"...We are sorry you have chosen to move your account. If we can help you with any future banking or financial needs, please do not hesitate to call us. Yours sincerely etc."</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">??!!, I mean, ??!! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">Let's make this clear, HSBC: I did not choose to move my account, you chose to close it. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">This letter is final proof that you do not know the meaning of personalised customer service. If you did, you wouldn't have sent it to an angry blogger. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;">I won't be calling you because you are</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #660000;"> definitely not the kind of bank I want to do business with.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-49939659796939759552013-12-17T11:30:00.003+00:002013-12-17T11:30:46.255+00:00Today's mixed messages from HSBC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Just got this letter from HSBC this morning, so I thought I'd have some fun with it.<table class="extTwoColumnTable extPibTable" style="-webkit-border-horizontal-spacing: 0px; -webkit-border-vertical-spacing: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 4px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; table-layout: auto; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; width: 600px;"><tbody style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;"><br /></span></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><th class="extTableColumn1" nowrap="" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 91px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Subject:</strong></th><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">We've got you covered<br /><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Well, yes, that's one way of putting it.</span></td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><th class="extTableColumn1" nowrap="" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 91px;"><strong style="font-weight: bold;">Date:</strong></th><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">15 Dec 2013</td></tr>
<tr style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><th class="extTableColumn1" nowrap="" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 5px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 20px; padding-top: 5px; text-align: left; vertical-align: top; width: 91px;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<strong style="font-weight: bold;">Message:</strong></div>
</th><td style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 9px; padding-right: 8px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;"><div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
We understand how busy things can be at this time of year. So we thought we'd remind you of a couple of ways you can keep in touch with your HSBC accounts whenever it suits you.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Really? OK: it suits me to keep in touch with my HSBC accounts after 20 January when you are going to close them.</span></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
Our friendly Telephone Banking team are available on <b>08457 404 404*</b> to help with a range of requests - from bill payments and transfers, to general questions - between 8am and 10pm every day, except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year's Day.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">That's nice, but the range of questions your friendly team are prepared to answer doesn't include why you are going to close my accounts without explanation.</span><br />We also have a 24-hour automated helpline, which is available throughout the festive period, so you can make transfers, pay bills and check your account whenever you like. Set up your details today by calling 08457 400 004*.</div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Why would I set up the details today when you're going to close my accounts in 33 days time?</span><br /><b><br /></b><b>Best wishes for the festive season, from all at HSBC</b></div>
<div style="border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.2em; margin-bottom: 8px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 15px; margin-top: 8px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 10px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: red;">Errr, let me get this right, HSBC is sending me best wishes? How confusing is that?!</span></div>
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</tbody></table>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-14701766471870886382013-12-16T20:55:00.002+00:002013-12-16T20:56:03.098+00:00Interview with BBC Radio 4 Money BoxToday I was interviewed by the presenters of BBC Radio 4 Money Box, Paul Lewis and Lesley McAlpine, about HSBC's decision to close my accounts with no explanation.<br />
<br />
Before the interview, Lesley McAlpine wrote to me: "<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I have just received a statement from HSBC on your case... they say precisely nothing. Which proves your point."</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
The program will be broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Saturday 28 December at 12 noon, and will also be available as a podcast.<br />
<br />
Listen in!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-51822679720083233742013-12-14T12:27:00.000+00:002013-12-14T12:28:41.785+00:00My MP's letter to HSBCHouse of Commons, 13 December 2013<br />
<br />
Mr Stuart Gulliver<br />
Group Chief Executive<br />
HSBC, 8 Canada Square<br />
London E14 5HQ<br />
<br />
Dear Mr Gulliver<br />
<br />
I am writing on behalf of my constituent, Mr Roberts.<br />
<br />
As you can see from the enclosed correspondence, Mr Roberts is concerned by the recent decision to close the account he held at HSBC.<br />
<br />
I would be most grateful for your clarification regarding the closures, assurance that Mr Roberts' concerns have been fully considered, and for your comments on the case.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your assistance in this matter, I look forward to your response.<br />
<br />
Yours sincerely<br />
<br />
Mrs Sarah Newton MPAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-62235927888508396182013-12-14T12:21:00.002+00:002013-12-14T12:28:11.548+00:00My MP's response to complaint about HSBC<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: Arial; line-height: normal;">This morning I had a meeting with my MP, Sarah Newton, who agrees that HSBC's decision to close my account without explanation is unacceptable and is willing to take action on my behalf. When I got home, this letter was waiting for me:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">House of Commons, 13 December 2013</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Dear Mr Roberts</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I appreciate you taking the time to write to me to pass on your concerns regarding the closure of your HSBC accounts.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I have noted your comments and understand how important it is for you to receive clarification regarding HSBC's decision to close the account you held with them. I have now written to the Chief Executive Officer at HSBC to request that this clarification is provided.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">I hope this is helpful and to be able to update your further in due course.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">Yours sincerely</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Mrs Sarah Newton MP</span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-74776206129393835852013-12-11T20:46:00.002+00:002013-12-11T20:52:23.002+00:00How HSBC hooked up with drug traffickers and terrorists. And got away with it.<br />
<h1 style="margin-bottom: 0em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Read <a href="http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/gangster-bankers-too-big-to-jail-20130214" target="_blank">RollingStone's opinion of HSBC</a></span></span></h1>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12px;"><span style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-80088680711447300092013-12-11T17:33:00.000+00:002013-12-12T09:11:11.941+00:00HSBC promotion excludes black Africa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0f034wkb4cuFRni32xeP5KtLXCzePsSre2qINYNZkjX4kmb691P0coUudQ4bNoRqPfMj1pLqY0ArpYBAetlS9Vm_PUCGkZPK9M4Uk_TrqkTCeC_6hx4TYZibkwp3gtlAYKo3Y1arA9I/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC0f034wkb4cuFRni32xeP5KtLXCzePsSre2qINYNZkjX4kmb691P0coUudQ4bNoRqPfMj1pLqY0ArpYBAetlS9Vm_PUCGkZPK9M4Uk_TrqkTCeC_6hx4TYZibkwp3gtlAYKo3Y1arA9I/s640/photo.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Hey HSBC, if you're the World's Local Bank, why doesn't this promotion in my local branch list any locations in black Africa where I live?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-10395771487924048052013-12-11T14:33:00.001+00:002013-12-11T14:35:25.060+00:00Complaint to Financial Ombudsman about HSBC<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
Dear Sir or Madam</div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">O<span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">n 21 November 13 I received a letter from
HSBC stating that all the accounts I hold with them are to be closed. They give
no explanation or even invite me to query their unilateral decision. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="mso-no-proof: yes;">Neither my
local branch (Truro) nor the head office have been able to explain why this
decision has been taken. So I wrote to customer services on 25 November. Their reply
of 28 November confirms that the decision will not be overturned. I have been banking with HSBC and its predecessor Midland Bank
for 35 years, all my adult life. My accounts are in a healthy state. I consider this to be a
completely unacceptable way of treating a loyal customer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-no-proof: yes;">I realise that HSBC isn't going to revoke
their decision, so have already opened a new account elsewhere. But I am
complaining to you for two reasons. First, I want to help expose the injustice
of this practice that I believe should be illegal. Second, I wish to claim
compensation from HSBC for the stress and disruption their decision has caused.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB">In the meantime, I am publicising this injustice as widely as possible through social media.</span></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoHeader" style="margin-top: 3.0pt; tab-stops: 52.0pt center 216.0pt right 432.0pt;">
Yours sincerely</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-14912702652709414582013-12-11T08:35:00.002+00:002013-12-11T08:41:24.303+00:00West Briton highlights HSBC injusticeMany thanks to the <a href="http://www.westbriton.co.uk/Truro-man-astonished-HSBC-bank-closed-accounts/story-20253714-detail/story.html" target="_blank">West Briton</a> for highlighting the injustice of HSBC's decision to close my account without explanation.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-10475427877885535962013-12-11T08:26:00.004+00:002013-12-12T09:11:34.082+00:00Anxious HSBC customers <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif;">Some Facebook comments on this blog today:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Sorry to hear about your problems with them (I have a large mortgage with them so hope they don't do the same to me!)"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">"Hoping Cambodia doesn't go the same way as Africa as far as HSBC are concerned, as I bank with them too. So sorry to read about your experiences. I think the helplessness in it all makes it worse"</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: HelveticaNeue, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, 'Lucida Grande', sans-serif; font-size: 16px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-31790687968017785452013-12-11T08:20:00.001+00:002013-12-11T10:24:48.331+00:00HSBC: Highly Suspicious Bank Charges<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">Nice to know I'm not the only one. A comment about this blog on Facebook today:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #4e5665; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">"Wow, this is a bit sobering! My Dad had problems with them once when he realised they'd been overcharging his business for several years."</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-31724512268162414842013-12-10T16:51:00.002+00:002013-12-10T16:51:39.470+00:00Benefits of quitting HSBCOK, that's that done and dusted. Opened a new account with NatWest today. Everything will be transferred over automatically within 7 days.<br />
<br />
And I'm already reaping the benefit: I just saved £20 on the fee for an international transfer to Germany - £10 at NatWest instead of £30 at HSBC.<br />
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-59669346462389841992013-12-10T13:44:00.003+00:002013-12-10T13:44:50.895+00:00Radio 4 MoneyBox on to the case - part 2Had a lengthy phone call with the program producer this morning.<br />
<br />
Apparently MoneyBox has already focussed several times on the issue of banks closing customer accounts with no explanation, and it's a subject that the public feels strongly about. No surprises there.<br />
<br />
So I'm going to be interviewed next week for a program that will be broadcast on 28th December.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-37302765404147702232013-12-10T09:54:00.000+00:002013-12-10T13:45:34.364+00:00Radio 4 Money Box onto my case - part 1Just got a message from the producer of Radio 4 Money box saying they want to discuss HSBC's decision to close my account with no explanation. More to follow...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-79632612852190753882013-12-10T09:38:00.001+00:002013-12-11T08:31:22.875+00:00West Briton highlights HSBC injustice<i>Thursday 5th December 2013</i><br />
<br />
<b>'Bewildered' by bank's decision to shut accounts</b><br />
<br />
A Truro man is 'bewildered and angry' after his bank closed his accounts without giving any reason.<br />
<br />
Development worker David Roberts was left 'astonished' after HSBC told him it intended to close all of his accounts without giving any reason.<br />
<br />
Mr Robert, 54, has been with the bank for 35 years, having set up his first account with HSBC's predecessor, the Midland Bank.<br />
<br />
He said: "I'm bewildered and angry. It's quite astonishing and stressful. The letter states that they intend to close all of the accounts I hold with them. They give not the slightest explanation for why they consider this action to be necessary. Neither do they give me the option of keeping the accounts open or even politely inviting me to appeal the decision. Yet my accounts are in a healthy state.<br />
<br />
Mr Roberts said staff at the Truro branch had always been helpful.<br />
<br />
He said: "My gripe is with the head office of HSBC who think they an just show me the door after 35 years of being a customer."<br />
<br />
Mr Roberts said he had learnt that any bank could close an account with no explanation, potentially leaving the customer in great difficulty.<br />
<br />
He said: "One of the difficulties for me is if I don't know why they are closing my account then how do I choose a new bank?"<br />
<br />
Mr Roberts carries out language development work in Africa, which means his account is untouched for long periods and is then in use every day.<br />
<br />
He said he had "absolutely no idea" if that had prompted the bank's action.<br />
<br />
"I want to prove my innocence. I feel branded as a criminal", he said.<br />
<br />
"I consider this to be a completely unacceptable way of treating a loyal customer.<br />
<br />
A spokesman for HSBC said it could not discuss individual cases.<br />
<br />
The spokesman said "I'm afraid account closures can be a difficult decision for the bank to take and for a customer to accept."<br />
<br />
"As a bank committed to controlling and managing risk to the highest international standard in every country we operate in, we may have to take the difficult decision to close a customer's account where we do not feel that risk can be managed to those standards."Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-52712464273969666452013-12-06T18:36:00.000+00:002013-12-06T18:36:07.188+00:00HSBC suspicious of expats in Africa<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">From a friend today: I decided to grasp the nettle and asked HSBC to check whether there was still a query on my account. They checked, and there wasn’t. But they <u>did ask me twice</u> whether I ever received funds from Africa into my HSBC account. No, No, and NO, not ever!! Of course, they just don’t understand our situation and the bank employees are as powerless as we are to change things. So, keep shouting!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4041891579883966387.post-73749198318965193072013-12-04T10:46:00.001+00:002013-12-11T08:35:57.877+00:00Friends' comments about HSBC injustice<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gentium;">I'm thinking of reverting to using the mattress instead of the bank.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gentium;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Gentium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">This is getting way beyond normal.</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">I think this is completely unacceptable and outrageous... The worst part, as you rightly point out, is that you have no recourse to justice nor to an explanation.... I may be on borrowed time myself. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #1f497d; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Hope you can get some satisfaction. But I wouldn’t hold my breath.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11347945473079819997noreply@blogger.com0