Anyone with experience of complaining to the Financial Ombudsman Service?

[BeenRoyallyRippedOff]

I've just made a complaint to a bank that hasn't been upheld and have been given the option of taking the complaint to the next level at the FOS.

I'm really clear in my mind that I have been ripped off, and there's a lot of money at stake... but don't want to waste my energy and get my hopes up if the FOS don't investigate my complaint in detail.

Are they normally fair, or will they just always naturally find in favour of financial institutions?

The FOS follow rules, have you checked these so that you are sure you definately have a case?

I assume so as the bank wrote back to us and said that if we wanted to appeal against their decision then it would have to go through the FOS. I'm just wondering if it's worth the hassle...

DH has just received a refund of a little over £4,000 in Payment Protection Insurance (PPI) he'd paid with a loan he'd taken out with his bank. The bank had originally rejected his complaint but we took it to the FOS and despite not having all the relevant paperwork, they upheld the complaint and the refund arrived last month. It is quite straightforward - you can fill in a form online but I think you have to print it off to post it. You've nothing to lose.

We've just started a process with them, and so far, been very impressed with the help they have given.

They haven't ruled yet though - if it doesn't go my way, I might change my mind.

Nice to hear mejon!

Do it, you have nothing to lose. Banks rarely pay up on customer complaints, and rely on the fact that you won't bother to take it any further. Usually calling their bluff ends with prompt payment. Make sure you send a copy of the letter to the bank as well, just to really put the wind up them. Good luck.
As an aside, I got about £2.5k out of 2 banks last year for unfair payment charges on overdrafts after taking it to the ombudsman.

Hi I used to work for various banks a few years ago doing their loss calculations for endowment policy complaints that had been upheld. In my experience the FOS are very independent and often the banks would initally reject the complaints but then they would be taken to the FOS and the FOS would make them reconsider them andxx make them pay out.....definitely worth a stamp!!!

x

Hi I used to work for various banks a few years ago doing their loss calculations for endowment policy complaints that had been upheld. In my experience the FOS are very independent and often the banks would initally reject the complaints but then they would be taken to the FOS and the FOS would make them reconsider them andxx make them pay out.....definitely worth a stamp!!!

x

Hi I used to work for various banks a few years ago doing their loss calculations for endowment policy complaints that had been upheld. In my experience the FOS are very independent and often the banks would initally reject the complaints but then they would be taken to the FOS and the FOS would make them reconsider them andxx make them pay out.....definitely worth a stamp!!!

x

Hi I used to work for various banks a few years ago doing their loss calculations for endowment policy complaints that had been upheld. In my experience the FOS are very independent and often the banks would initally reject the complaints but then they would be taken to the FOS and the FOS would make them reconsider them andxx make them pay out.....definitely worth a stamp!!!

x