STRAIGHT TO THE POINT
I TRIED to take a jumper back to a store because it didn’t fit, and the shop assistant told me I could only have an exchange. Isn’t it my right to a refund? It hasn’t been worn.
H. J., Bristol NO. UNDEr the sale of Goods Act, High street stores are only obligated to refund you if the item is faulty.
so while most major stores will offer you a refund in this instance, if you have the receipt and the item is returned within 28 days, by law they don’t have to.
PLEASE could you tell me why my credit score with one credit reference firm is excellent and yet poor with another?
Ian, via email
YOUR credit report, which lenders use to decide whether you are a good borrower, includes a mixture of information from public records such as electoral roll details. This information is collected by all three credit reference agencies, Experian, Equifax and Call Credit and should be the same.
However, your r eport also i ncludes information from lenders such as which credit agreements you have and how you are repaying them. Because not all lenders share their information with every credit agency, the information can vary and therefore your score can differ.
I’M HAVING a major problem with my bank, which won’t return my calls or letters. To whom can I complain? L. L., London
FIRST complain to the bank or the company. If they cannot resolve your problem, go to the independent Financial Ombudsman service.
You can contact them on 0300 123 9 123. You can write to The Financial Ombudsman service, Exchange Tower, London E14 9 sr. Alternatively you can email complaint.info@financial-ombudsman.org.uk
I HAVE £75,000 in a savings account. Is it protected if my bank suddenly goes bust?
J. S., Cambridge ALL UK-regulated current or savings accounts and cash Isas in banks, building societies and credit unions are protected by t he Government- backed Financial services Compensation scheme.
If your bank goes bust, you are protected up to £85,000 per person. If your savings total more than this, it’s safer to spread them across a number of banks to keep within this limit at each individual institution.