Bank customer gets £2,000 refund
Source – BBC News; Saturday, 3 June 2006

A Belfast taxi driver who threatened to take his bank to court over unfair charges has been given a £2,000 refund.

Eamonn McGuckin incurred the charges with the Halifax after he went into the red without permission over a three year period.

Mr McGuckin thought the penalties were excessive and asked the Consumer Council and BBC Radio Ulster's consumer programme, On Your Behalf, for help.

It is thought to be the largest refund to a bank customer in Northern Ireland.
The bank refunded his charges in full while he was pursuing his case through the Small Claims Court under unfair contract terms legislation.

Eleanor Gill, Chief Executive at the Consumer Council said: "Often consumers question if their voice is really heard and if they can get a fair deal in the marketplace.

"Eamonn is a great demonstration of consumer power.

"He is not alone - there are many others who feel that they have been charged excessive charges often for going overdrawn by a small amount of money for a short period of time."

"Consumers have told us this letter works - since the Consumer Council teamed up with On Your Behalf to launch our Stop Unfair Charges campaign over 600 consumers have contacted us and a number have had refunds already."

Ms Gill said anyone who felt they had been unfairly overcharged by their bank should contact them.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
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