The Times - Warning to customers claiming back charges

Bank customers have been warned against being lured by 'ambulance chasers' when reclaiming bank fees

'Ambulance chasing' firms were criticised today for trying to muscle in customers who are reclaiming their bank charges.

The Information Commissioner’s Office confirmed that it has received a numberof complaints over unsolicited automated phone calls made by a claims handling firm.

Consumer groups said people were better off challenging banks directly rather than through a third party.

Claims management companies offer to take on a client’s case against a bank for them in return for a slice of the eventual refund. But many consumers can make a claim completely free of charge using a template letter .

The marketing tactics of claims handling companies is now under the spotlight following complaints concerning automated phone calls.

Such practices are in breach of the Privacy and Electronic Communications Tegulation, the Information Commissioner’s Office said.

It has written to one firm alleged to have contravened the rules.

Mark Gander of the Consumer Action Group, said:

“Cold calling is completely unacceptable. I understand that there is a lot of it going on."

Emma Bandey, personal finance campaigner at Which?, said: “Claiming back bankcharges really is easy and simple. We would urge people to do it themselves rather than using a claimw handling firm, as according to the Financial Ombudsman Service, it makes no difference to the outcome of a complaint whether it comes directly from the customer or from a claims management firm.

" In exchange for a little patience and time you can keep all the money refunded to you by your bank, rather than handing part of it over to someone else.”

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