Really worried

[Worrymummy21]

Hello, sorry this isn’t a AIBU
But just needed a bit of advice from either someone this has happened to or someone who works in the industry.
I have 4 bank accounts.
My main one (santander) for salary bills etc
Second one (natwest) is used for big purchases holidays etc
Third one (Lloyds) savings
And forth one (hsbc) never used (actually forgot I had it)

I was trying to log into my second account a few days ago and it was telling me to contact them for assistance because my access was disabled. I phoned them yesterday and they said that they have closed My accounts under their t&c and cannot give me a reason why.
Today I have received a letter from hsbc (forth account-never used) basically telling me the same thing and to contact cifas for more info.
I’ve since checked the log in for the other 2 accounts and they seem fine at the moment.
I am so worried , what could be happening?
I understand cifas is a fraud prevention company, why on earth would they be involved?
Has this happened to anyone? Or does anyone have any info on why 2 accounts in 2 days have been closed without hesitation.
Are my other accounts going to be closed, as I have savings in one and salary going into the other! I don’t know what to do. And I have to wait a month for a subject access info from cifas.

Tia

Have you been transferring large amounts in and out for anything like selling/buying on Facebook Marketplace?

No. Only thing I can think of is that I’ve paid cash into second account a few times for large purchases.
My dp is very old school and saves in cash , always has done.
Sometimes he will give me cash (which I would then pay into my bank) to pay for large items or book a holiday etc. Not talking loads , just here and there. I can’t think of anything else.

Where both of the two that were closed empty?

I do transfer between my accounts here and there also but again not large amounts.

Was there any money in the accounts? I know you said one was for big purchases but do you transfer money in, buy the item and then the account is empty again? If the accounts were empty for a while they might have been closed for that reason.

The fourth one was completely empty , haven’t used in years.
The second one, I don’t have regular money paid in such as a salary but I transfer money in for some direct debits on the account and for purchases separate from day to day purchases. Sometimes there’s nothing in there, I don’t keep money in there.

We're the cash deposits fairly recent?

Were* sorry

But have used the second one very recently to book a holiday. It was empty again after that.

Last deposit was 2000 to book a family holiday. I paid the money in and booked the holiday. Account has been empty since. I have always used the account in this way.

If you paid in a large cash deposit, enough to book a holiday, and then withdrew it, and have done similar in the past that could seem suspicious to the bank. You've done nothing wrong so I wouldn't worry but they're probably just being cautious.

What sort of sums?

So it sounds like you use your Santander and Lloyds accounts on a regular basis but less often for your now closed NatWest account and not at all for your now closed NatWest account?

NatWest have been in the press in recent years for closing accounts - and not been able to give reasons:

www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/saving/article-8326065/Bank-customers-insist-theyre-victims-Kafkaesque-injustice.html

HSBC - and other banks - will routinely review and close dormant accounts, which is what your HSBC account was.

You're wondering why an account you haven't used in 21 years was closed?

I understand that they bank may think it’s a bit dodgy , but why would hsbc close my account , or is that just a coincidence. And why are they telling me to contact cifas

Clearly they think money laundering or something. Contact them.

No not 21 years. I’ve had the hsbc one for a few years and never used. Think I may off made 1 transfer in and a purchase that’s it

Transferring in large cash amounts and then paying straight out again may have been flagged as money muling hence CIFAS.

That shouldn't have affected HSBC. That may be a coincidence.

why would hsbc close my account

Because you're not using it!!! If you don't use it, they don't make money. They're a business, not a charity.

So have you actually lost any money OP? If not, I wouldn't worry about it.

Contact CIFAS & tell us what they said?

But I just think it’s strange how within days of eachother ive had 2 bank accounts closed. Do you think I should worry about my other accounts ?

No not lost any money, but worried about the money in other accounts.

I have contacted cifas but it says up to 28 days for info. I just came on here for a bit of advice. As google searches are scaring me! 😂

@Worrymummy21

But I just think it’s strange how within days of eachother ive had 2 bank accounts closed. Do you think I should worry about my other accounts ?

I would start the process to open a new account with a different company asap.

We had an issue with having a few accounts and they closed all of them, froze everything. The only way we could access cash was to visit a branch, once. It was a complete pain and totally innocent on our part.

The banks cared nothing that we couldn't access our salaries or pay our bills.

I hope this isn't the same case for you, I would be making calls and trying to figure it all out tomorrow though.