We've Been Robbed

[smiley]

Beware of bank charges on dormant bank accounts.

Like lots of other people we have used different banks in the TRNC, changing accounts when offered a better rate of interest. When we left both the Turk Bankasi Ltd and the Iktisat Bank we were persuaded/advised to leave some money in the accounts to keep them open so that if we wished to return, the accounts would be available without having to go through the process of opening new accounts with the ensuing paperwork involved.

Today we decided to go to both of these banks, close the accounts and withdraw the funds. Much to our disgust we were informed that bank charges had been levied against these accounts and as such there were no funds left!! At no time were we informed that bank charges would be taken from these accounts otherwise we would not have left any money in them.

We think this is daylight robbery by the banks on unsuspecting customers and would like you all to be aware of this practice.

[mitsybrian]

Turk bank are the very best at this, and take money till cheque book is returned to them and no refund on the cost of the book which you pay for in the first place. Plus sit and wait for your money and account to be closed this can take some time apox 1 to 2 hrs on a good day.

[Navek]

Same thing happened with us at HSBC.
ALL GONE
Navek

[blueparrot]

I had same problem with a previously dormant account at Iktisat. When I deposited some money, several years worth of ongoing charges were immediately deducted (around £70).

When I first set up the account, there were no ongoing charges at all. Iktisat said they had started charging people a few years later, and had informed all account holders in their email newsletter. When I protested, they refunded the money.

I know that some people with Iktisat accounts are not charged. It may depend on how much money is in the account, and the branch manager's discretion. If you are able to come to an arrangement, best to get it in writing.

We are lucky in the UK with free banking (for accounts in credit), and the regulatory requirement to be upfront with charges, and extensive media reporting on the latter. Not sure the situation is as good in other countries.

[cyrob]

Same issue with TEB bank last year . Introduced charges without telling us . Couldn't understand why we then closed it down !

[Joe Soap]

Yes I was caught out by Iktisat Bank. They charged me £20 (in TL) to hold my money over the weekend (3 days) before I transferred it into an already existing deposit account which matured on the Monday. When I complained no-one was interested in the slightest. I asked to see the British girl who is supposed to be the Liaison person, but was told she was on holiday.

Closed all my accounts with them.

Am now with Asbank. They I have found provide a very friendly and competent service.

[Darzee]

I used Asbank in Catalkoy , next to Lemar .
Very friendly and helpful .

[gates]

they all charge hsbc when i first came here 15yrs ago opened and account so i could have some money here all the time . I kept going in and getting my book updated and said to my wife o look they are paying interest not really checking and being so trusting did not realize they are charges
I closed my account when i realized and after trying to transfer money being told at the branch they are all the same as UK what a mug
Even they are lying and when i said about the charges they said every bank does . Went Turk bank no we dont charge then noticed the same
Now i bank with Universal there are no ques and no charges they have helped in every way
Happy banking try to work it out is another ?