Westpac is another bank where at several branches newsagent requests to cancel direct debit arrangements for Bill Express equipment have been refused. Since my post yesterda about National Australia Bank I received two calls from newsagents complaining about Westpac.
Your bank cannot refuse to cancel a direct debit. To do so is a breach of the Banking Code of Prctice. Here are some steps you could consider if they refuse:
- Read the information at the Banking Industry Ombudsman website about cancelling direct debits.
- Also read about the banking dispute process.
- Research the process at the Financial Ombudsman Service – this is where you would formally lodge your banking dispute.
- Write to your bank branch noting their refusal, include the date, time and the person to whom you spoke. Ask that they put their refusal in writing within 24 hours so you can escalate the issue within the bank and to the the appropriate authorities. Also ask for a copy of the instructions on which they are operating in taking this money – most likely you will find that the instructions you signed to not match current withdrawal arrangements.
- Different banks have different processes, make sure you understand yours. However, always remain in control and demanding on time. Some newsagents have achieved refunds in one or two days.
- 24 hours after your letter, write to the state manager advising that you are lodging a dispute with the bank. Give a copy to your local branch. This is when banks generally realise that they have made a mistake.
I am happy to list banks here which are refusing to refund money which was taken from newsagent accounts against their explicit instructions.
I also bank with Westpac and all it took was a email and a phone call to my business centre (Orange NSW) to get all BXP related debits cancelled and a refund for April, May and June payments to Mobius. I told them I want the refunds as they had no written and signed authority from me for this company to take funds from my account. They put a claim through on their end and I received the refund two weeks later. I think it really shows that the outcome depends on who you speak too.
Hi to all,
Just checked my bank account Westpac have deposited 3 x $544.50 into my account under the same code as the CHP debit was taken out with.
Cheers
If Mobius are withdrawing from our accounts without our signed consent is that theft/fraud?
Who should this be brought to the attention of?
And if the banks are giving us refunds are they taking it back of Mobius? Mobius should be classed a debtor of the BE fiasco and cancel all DD’s with all newsagents.
A nearly 90 year old widower with bowel cancer, colostomy and very sick asked if someone from the bank would withdraw $100 from his account and take it to him at home. My husband did and has been sacked. The bank have announced they will be reducing workers by 1000 because they only made over $6 billion profit?
Australia’s First Bank or Australia’s WORST Bank?