Help! Banks frozen my account?!

[cata09x]

Looking for advice more than anything because I currently have no access to any money or a car since the bank has put my account under review.
My dad transferred me a large sum of money to pay for a new car which I had already put a £500 deposit down for. Barclay's subsequently put my account under review for fraud which I understand they can do however they are showing no signs of unlocking my account and I've had to phone all the companies which I have direct debits with to ask them to extend the payment deadlines.

I already had a few thousand in the account before they put it under review but they won't allow that money to be used to pay for any bills / debits coming out of the account.

Does anyone know what I can do? Is there a way to speed up the process? Can the bank legally hold my money past the 7 working days they told me they were reviewing my account for?

It's been over a week now and pregnancy hormones are NOT helping my frustration!🤣 especially since I'm going to lose the non-refundable deposit I put down as it's been over their 7 day deposit policy.

*the money was transferred from my dad who has the same surname as me, surely the banks would notice this?

I wasn't sure which forum was the best to post this on but I'm really hoping someone will have some advice.

@BT11 they originally said 7 working days however have now extended that period to say they can't give a specific time frame and it could be a "few more days". I haven't been told to go to the branch - each time I asked I was told not to bother as it was out of their hands.

I don't quite know the block that has been put on my account - the actual account is under review, I'm unable to access any funds from the account and direct debits will not come out - I was told by one employee they would come out as normal but on the 1/03 I received numerous notifications saying "your account is overdrawn by XYZ amount if you don't pay by 3pm charges will occur" (as all my bills come out at the start of the month) so I called Barclays again and they informed me that I was incorrectly informed and my direct debits would not come out as all money is frozen.

I'm just confused as to why it's taking so long when it's just money from my dad to me. I don't really understand the need for an investigation when I answered all of their questions and it's hardly fraudulent when money has been transferred from one relative to another for a specific purchase🙁

@cata09x oh, that is super annoying. I do feel for you. 🙁

Please have a read through of those links I sent through. I know it's not much help right now seeing as your account is stuck in no man's land. But if it all comes back clear you're well in your right to complain to the ombudsman. I would push for some compensation given the stress it's given you.

You are definitely allowed to log a complaint (not for the freeze straight away) but for the incorrect information you've been provided regarding direct debits. That will at least get your concerns documented.

Can I ask how your dad transferred the money? Was it online or in the branch?

If it's out of his normal patterns that can flag.

It would be odd to buy a car for a large value through someone else's account.

But I completely understand why you wouldn't see it as an issue initially.

Open another bank account and make sure any future wages go in there can you borrow some money in the meantime?

@BT11 Thankyou so much for your help. I've had a quick skim through the links and they seem very helpful so once I get a second this evening I'm going to have a proper look.

He sent the money directly to me online, he usually transfers large sums between accounts on his side so his bank is used to that.

It was money he had saved for me over a period of time so he was just sending what was "mine" if that makes sense? And I'd told him I wanted to buy a car so he had sent the amount I needed to purchase the vehicle.

I don't know if it's relevant but it was around 40K so I can understand why the bank would want to make sure it's not fraud however I've given all the details over a week ago and still nothing has been done which is why I'm just tired now🙁

Thankyou so much for all your help / advice it's definitely helped stop me stressing as much. X

You have been through a right mess. And it happens so frequently (unfortunately a small group of wrong doers make it difficult for everyone else!)

I would keep pressing for updates, ensure dad is also pushing for updates and to make sure he has voiced his concerns with his bank.

£40000 is a lot. If it was sent in lots of smaller transactions say 4 x £10000 that could flag. Or if sent as one big transaction with no/little information submitted in the reference that would flag.

In all honesty it sounds like everything will be okay. Stressful - yes. Especially if it's something you've never been through before. Just try to stay as calm as possible - you have done nothing wrong. I really hope things speed up for you and you get the comp you deserve.

If you want to go into branch then do, it could be beneficial but no guarantees. 🙂

Also you're welcome 🤗

Still no luck with the bank🙁. They've extended it another 48 hours but by the sounds of things haven't even reviewed the case yet. Keeping my fingers crossed for some contact tomorrow but I'm not hopeful🫤.

Have you taken the names of everyone you've spoken to? Complained and I mean asked to be put through to the complaints Dept. Gone into branch. Spoken to the manager there and got his name and asked for action. (Even though on line have advised you not to, you'd at least feel you'd have done everything you could). If you do you personalise it, attach a human to your case rather than just being a number. You are being very passive, you can be more proactive.

Op a few posters have had issues like this with varclays. One lady had it completly shut down and they wouldn't tell her why, a loyal customer of 20 years plus.

Please never keep money in one bank and don't bank with varclays

Op I would definitely try and get into a branch and with your dad if possible and make it clear it's unacceptable to keep you waiting this long.

Did you get any update ??

Did you get any update ??

Did you get any update ?

hello i need help

I have had dealings with Barclays fraud team who did this to the account of a society I belong to. Any attempt to make contact by phone, email or even post is a waste of time. They are beyond useless. Go to a branch and talk to someone.

Then move your account.

Old thread.

Sorry to jump on this over a year later, I’m currently going through this. I’m 8 months pregnant and HSBC have frozen all my accounts under “statuory law review” I don’t know what that means, they won’t tell me anything or give me a timescale. Went into the bank yesterday and was just told “we can’t disclose any information” I’ve got zero access to funds and I feel sick with anxiety.

how long did it take to resolve?

They will have a process and the branch staff will not be able to tell you anything. If fraud, money laundering etc is suspected they can’t give any hint to the customer as this could be considered “tipping off”. This is a gross misconduct offence for which you can be sacked.