Building society called to account over frozen money

Andrew Lamb is relieved at getting access restored to a new bank account that was frozen within days of him opening it.

Last month, Lamb, from Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire, took advantage of an offer from Nationwide Building Society of £200 to switch his current account. “The account was opened but I was told a switch was not possible at that time,” he said.

“I had received my card and PIN and transferred £400 into the account. I had also changed my salary and pension mandates.”

After using the new bank card for 24 hours, Lamb said the account was suspended and he could get nowhere with Nationwide while trying to get access restored, so he contacted Raw Deal.

We asked Nationwide to investigate and the company soon ironed out the issue. Lamb’s account has been unlocked and he has been offered £150 as a goodwill gesture.

Nationwide said: “While our member did open an account he didn’t request to switch his old account. We have offered to do this retrospectively for him.

“We apologise for the time taken to investigate and unblock his account after it had been frozen due to a third-party attempt to access the account. All restrictions have been removed and we will offer our member £150 for the inconvenience caused.”

Lamb said: “Without Raw Deal’s intervention, I’d still be in limbo.”