Tag Archives: Ulster Bank

90265458

Brian writes:

“On 30 May 2014, I transferred €580 into my Ulster Bank loan account leaving a debit balance of approximately €80. On 3 June 2014, Ulster Bank took a direct debit from my current account (circa €373), effectively putting my loan account into credit by approximately €290. Unfortunately, despite many attempts to contact Ulster Bank (23 – as outlined below), the funds have yet to be returned and the credit amount has now been with Ulster Bank for 6 weeks.
I have tried countless times to contact Ulster Bank over the last few weeks but have been unsuccessful in contacting them through their advertised help lines. I finally contacted an individual in Ulster Bank on 24 June 2014 who vaguely informed me that the funds would be returned within 10 days, this was not the case.
It took an astonishing 23 phone calls, 12 days and combined 2.5 hours on hold to finally contact an individual in Ulster Bank.
Calls to Ulster Bank (1850 201 210) – please note apart from the call on 24 June 2014 I never got through to an Ulster Bank representative and subsequently hung up each time. Furthermore, these calls were made from a recorded line, hence the accurate log below:
(1) 24/06/14 @ 16:34 (the only time I spoke to a Ulster Bank representative, had to call NI – call duration 26 mins after being on hold and transferred several times)
(2) 24/06/14 @ 13:14 (3mins on hold)
(3) 20/06/14 @ 16:20 (4mins on hold)
(4) 20/06/14 @ 13:45 (12mins on hold)
(5) 20/06/14 @ 09:53 (6mins on hold)
(6) 19/06/14 @ 15:33 (10mins on hold)
(7) 19/06/14 @ 13:18 (16mins on hold)
(8) 18/06/14 @ 16:48 (6mins on hold)
(9) 18/06/14 @ 14:14 (10mins on hold)
(10) 18/06/14 @ 11:02 (5mins on hold)
(11) 18/06/14 @ 09:16 (13mins on hold)
(12) 18/06/14 @ 08:34 (Line not open)
(13) 17/06/14 @ 16:55 (7mins on hold)
(14) 17/06/14 @ 16:43 (6mins on hold)
(15) 17/06/14 @ 16:20 (12mins on hold)
(16) 17/06/14 @ 14:37 (5mins on hold)
(17) 17/06/14 @ 13:47 (5mins on hold)
(18) 17/06/14 @ 13:27 (8mins on hold)
(19) 17/06/14 @ 13:17 (3mins on hold)
(20) 17/06/14 @ 13:02 (14mins on hold)
(21) 17/06/14 @ 12:54 (10mins on hold)
(22) 12/06/14 @ 15:08 (7mins on hold)
(23) 12/06/14 @ 15:05 (5mins on hold)

All I wanted was the return of my excess payment that I made into my loan account, and 6 weeks later Ulster Bank has still not returned the payment, despite assuring me they would on 24 June 2014. During the 6 weeks I have only received an acknowledgement of a complaint I lodged with Ulster Bank, no communication or confirmation in relation to my loan account, which is been in credit for 6 weeks. Unfortunately, Ulster Bank has left me with little option but to escalate this matter to ensure that, (a) my funds are returned ASAP and (b), to highlight the complete lack of customer care demonstrated by Ulster Bank….”

FIGHT!

atm atmBack-1atm2

[Top: The Ulster Bank Phibsborough Rd, Phibsborough, Co. Dublin and from top: the front, back and side view of the ATM scamming widget]

DublinNige writes:

“Pulled this off the Ulster Bank ATM in Phibsboro today.. The idea is that once your card goes in the flap stops it from being returned. Everything works fine until the ATM tries to give you back your card and cash. The bank card gets stuck and the ATM will start beeping as it is unable to return either card or cash.
Unsuspecting users will think the machine is faulty and once they leave the nearby thief will walk over, pull it off and hey presto – he now has your card and your money. When I pulled it off two guys a few feet away scarpered. Be warned.”

RAoIulster

We’re tay people ourselves.

But…

Via the very annoyed, in fairness Restaurants Association of Ireland:

“The Restaurants Association of Ireland today called for an end to the distribution of free coffees from Ulster Bank to promote their consumer mortgages. The message communicated by Ulster Bank is very much one of anti-hospitality industry, completely going against their ethos to “help for what matters”. As an institution that has always represented itself as the prime consumer and small business lender, Ulster Bank is showing little or no support for small hospitality businesses through this tragic PR stunt.

Speaking on the PR nightmare, Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association Adrian Cummins said, “For every cup of coffee Ulster Bank continues to give out free of charge, struggling cafes and restaurant owners are deprived of their daily morning/afternoon income. These people are struggling to fulfil bank payments, and instead of supporting local business, Ulster Bank have effectively employed an independent marketing company to do the exact opposite.”

Splutter.

Restaurants Association of Ireland call for an end to anti-hospitality industry stunt from Ulster Bank (RAI)

Thanks DD

ulsterb

Update:


 

Ulster Bank customers have been unable to access their online systems or use their cards this evening – the busiest internet shopping day of the year. Customers trying to log in to their internet banking were shown a ‘temporarily unavailable’ message.

Ulster Bank and RBS: Widespread reports of online banking and payment systems down (John Mulgrew, Belfast Telegraph)

Previously: Ulster Says D’oh

90265458The bank.

The BBC’s business editor Robert Peston said that a draft report from the commission called for the split of RBS [Royasl bank of Scotland] into a good bank and a bad bank. However, he added that “another, more radical option is also being assessed by the Treasury”. That would involve somehow removing Ulster Bank from RBS Group – Ulster has been the worst performing part of the group, dragging down its overall performance. Mr Peston said that one idea raised is to “transfer Ulster Bank into the arms and ownership of the Irish government”, by swapping all or part of the bank for the British loans and investments currently owned by Ireland’s “bad bank”, the National Asset Management Agency (Nama).

 

And sure why not?

Ulster Bank: Treasury looks at Irish takeover possibility (BBC)

(Sasko Lazarov/Photocall Ireland)