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Original poster

bank cleared cheque unsigned by me

8 replies

IWantWine · 09/02/2011 15:02

I have a joint account and the cheques require two signatures.

However, the bank has apparently cleared two cheques that were submitted without my signature. They have agreed that they should not have done this but can anyone advise me of my rights. The word 'compensation' was mentioned but what would I be entitled to? Has anyone any experience or knowledge of this situation.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks :)

OP posts:
UrsulaBuffay · 09/02/2011 15:06

If you have suffered any financial loss due to the error I think they will re-imburse it plus a distress & inconvenience payment of anywhere from £25-£100 I'd have thought. Put your complaint in writing, say you want to know that it will not happen again and to go through their complaints process. Could take 8 weeks or so. Won't be lifechanging compensation!

marriednotdead · 09/02/2011 15:43

I'm not sure regarding compensation but I think you need to have a talk with the other signatory. They are issuing cheques effectively without your knowledge, which defeats the object of the joint arrangement.

Original poster
IWantWine · 09/02/2011 17:02

Thank you for your messages.

Yes I suffered financial loss. My 'DH' froze the account and refuses to let me have any money out of it. Albeit it wasnt a huge amount but obviously I am not happy about it!

OP posts:
UrsulaBuffay · 09/02/2011 17:31

Things tend to get messy when the co-owners of an account or policy don't co-operate or split etc, think it tends to go down legal routes. However the bank's initial error of them paying out cheques without your signature is definitely worth a complaint & if no joy approach the Financial Ombudsman link here
Good luck with everything.

Original poster
IWantWine · 09/02/2011 21:03

It is just that the bank mentioned compensation and I have no idea what, or how much, I would be entitled to. Thank you everybody for your comments :)

OP posts:
Lizcat · 10/02/2011 09:10

To be Frank they don't really look at cheques unless they are for large amounts. My mum had a situation recently where Barclays admitted they don't check cheques unless they are for more than £20,000!!!!!

The responsability is now on the retalier to check the signature againist the card hence many of them no longer taking cheques.

bethelbeth · 12/02/2011 21:30

As far as I know, if it wasn't signed properly it can be withdrawn and bounced. So the funds would be back in the account. You could probably then ask for £20-£50 compensation.

vicbar · 19/02/2011 23:16

Lizcat is right chq's going through clearance are only routinely checked for amounts over £10 - £20k(dep on bank) but randoms are pulled out too.
It is banks policy to freeze a/c's in the case of a relationship breakdown to protect each party but obv your partner wrote some chq's first. Good luck with the complaint.

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