to ask what to do now? The bank have given my details to abusive ex...

[AnchorDownDeepBreath]

I made a complaint to the bank a few months ago that they had allowed an abusive ex-partner to open an account in my name and run up debt. Three weeks later, they were still allowing him to use the account (according to my credit file) and I complained again.

Today I messaged them to ask what was taking so long. They've just called and confirmed that they sent a letter, including all the allegations, to his address. An address that I have never lived at. The letter contains my new mobile number, at least, and possibly my new address.

He was very violent. He hit me when we broke up. I had to get the police involved and be escorted to work and home again for a while, had to work odd hours, he waited for me outside anywhere he thought I might be. I had to go into a refuge for a while and get a new number. It took months for me to feel calm that he didn't know where I was. I was treated for intense PTSD, and situational anxiety.

They knew this. I was explicit about this, and they knew it, and have detailed in the letter that they know they can only use certain contact details for me...

The bank complaints handler has apologised and said they will call back today as soon as possible. He shut down and wouldn't tell me any more.

What do I do now? I don't want to keep running, to live in fear again. It cost a lot to deal with it last time, there's a lot of inconvenience... I can't believe they've messed it up. I'm so scared he'll turn up here.

Please please contact a solicitor. They can speed things up. I can give you the name of somebody who could really help you.

Nothing else to add OP, utterly shocking. Stay safe

I assume you have an injunction against him? Why didn’t the police arrest him when he was spotted at your house

I assume you have an injunction against him? Why didn’t the police arrest him when he was spotted at your house

OP said he didn't know where she lived ?

Agree with the PP about an injunction.... surely if one was in place, he could be arrested?

And could the Police help with a referral to a refuge?

I'm so angry on your behalf that such a thoughtless action could put you in danger and they're not doing anything to help you.

So sorry to hear what you are going through OP. Are in a hotel again now?

@DGRossetti he didn't until Barclays fucked up and told him. Hence why he was seen at her address over the weekend and why she can't go back there.

he didn't until Barclays fucked up and told him. Hence why he was seen at her address over the weekend and why she can't go back there.

Yes. But if previously he didn't know where she lived, he could not have an injunction preventing him from going there. An injunction going within of the OP, yes. But not a location unknown to the ex.

At 3.30 today Op said:

He was seen at my house three times during the weekend

Also. I don’t understand why you can’t go to work? The bank wouldn’t have released those details...

@DGRossetti my apologies, I mis-read and didn't get that you were referring to the injunction.

That is shocking

DGRossetti my apologies

/ +

Barclays are the worst bank ever. I got a very big PPI claim from them and they were the only ones who missold me PPI.
Their service is appalling and everything about them. I bailed years ago.
Data protection breaches are incredibly serious and small businesses can be shut down for a breach like that yet they seem to be incredibly blase about your case.
Definitely contact a solicitor even if it's no win no fee as actually they have to pay you big compensation for this one.
Don't let them get away with it and don't let them give you a paltry compensation because they will try.

You go report your Ex for Fraud to The Police, you go make an official complaint to the Financial Ombudsman about the bank, you then go to court and get a Non Mol Order and anything else the Police can throw at him. Report the lot of them.

I used to be a senior fraud investigator in one of the big 4 banks. As someone who had suffered domestic violence I was clued up on the issue of domestic violence/bank fraud. I would suggest going into branch and having a senior member of staff support you. You should be protected and supported. Their actions have been appalling. Mistakes happen but this is unforgivable and unprofessional. You shouldn't have to be the one chasing this and sorting it out. I am so sorry this has happened to you. The bank owe you the courtesy of prioritising your case and regularly updating you. They have hugely messed up. They have to sort this out as quickly as possible and compensate you for your stress, worry and time. Good luck and as some of the other people have said, it's worth reporting to the banking ombudsmen.

Please please get an urgent Ex Parte Non Mol Order our, ring Woman's Aid or any of the helplines such as DV Assist who will help with this.

Also I was thinking, send A Freedom if Information Request asking for a copy of all correspondents sent to your Ex from your Bank. This is appalling, I'm concerned for your safety. The Bank have put you in a very vulnerable situation. Ring 999 every time you see your Ex outside, document everything.

I strongly advise contacting your MP - honestly, they can write a very strong email that can hold a lot more clout than yours might. I posted the link to find your MP earlier in the thread.

Might also be worth seeing if Martin Lewis of moneysavingexpert could help - where there are serious issues he often does investigations without the need for a sad face photo, plus there are knowledgeable people on their boards who could maybe help in this sort of situation.

The one good thing about going to the press is when Barclays exec team get wind of a "press threat" they will magically speed up beyond belief! I've worked in the complaints department of a financial institution and press threats (when the press representative contact the specific person who deals with them in the business) were dealt with before anything else! It's disgusting what's happened to you!

The guardian often get involved on behalf of consumers, it is uncanny just how often the banks etc manage to sort things out just before going to press!
You can email them at [email protected] they publish stories anonymously.

I'm aghast at how badly Barclays has handled this, you poor thing OP. They've put your life at risk and haven't even had the grace to provide you with a copy of the bloody letter

Stay safe, I hope the police can sort it although it sounds like you'll have to move house

Either You and Yours, or Moneybox, both on Radio 4 could be worth a try, if you want to go to the media. They can change your name, and get an actor to do your voice. You and Yours is a consumer advice programme, and Moneybox deals with financial issues. People often find that once they get involved, their issue is dealt with quickly.

I don't know how it would work cost wise but I'd suggest a very good solicitor if you haven't already engaged one. Get all the orders in place that you can, would that strengthen the police's hand?

Re press - not from a consumer rights pov but from an abuse pov I know a journalist who could be interested in the protection (or lack thereof) of women... Happy to drop them a line if any use...

I was also thinking of Moneybox or the Guardian consumer. Neither need a sad face and would stick to confidentiality.

Hope you are OK.