In April, I made a £2,500 transfer request to the Co-operative Bank to aid the language laboratory project in Tubas, Palestine. Unfortunately, after four months, the money seems to have vanished.
This sum was collected by our local group, Bradford on Avon Friends of Palestine. I moved the funds from my personal account to the project manager’s account, anticipating a longer transfer time due to Palestine’s unique circumstances. Initially, I wasn’t concerned when the money didn’t arrive within two weeks.
However, after three weeks, it became apparent that an issue had occurred. Despite numerous calls to the bank and escalating the matter to the Co-op Bank chief executive’s office, the money couldn’t be located.
In June, to ensure the project could proceed as planned, I utilized my own funds to send an equivalent amount from my NatWest account, which went through smoothly in a few days.
Since then, I’ve been attempting to recover the £2,500. I provided the Co-op Bank with the recipient’s bank statements, which showed no trace of the credit. The bank seems to be blaming me for supplying an incorrect account number, which is entirely untrue.
Based on my observations, it appears that the money is held by the intermediary bank used by the Co-op Bank. Unfortunately, I haven’t made any progress in resolving this issue despite investing countless hours. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated.
PW, Wiltshire
International money transfers often encounter numerous challenges. We’ve received similar letters over the years, detailing the disappearance of funds and the reluctance or inability of the sending bank to recover them.
In this case, the bank’s initial claim suggested that you provided incorrect account details, which you firmly deny. Fortunately, with our intervention, the Co-operative Bank eventually recalled the lost funds and refunded you the money. Although it’s frustrating that external intervention was necessary, you’re relieved to have your cash returned.
For future international payments, we highly recommend using specialized payment firms such as Wise. I personally endorse its services, but there are several other reputable options available. Not only do these firms provide quicker and more transparent transfers, they are also significantly more cost-effective than traditional high street banks.
Finally, Positive News About Travel
Given the surplus of travel-related complaints we receive, it’s time we balance the scales with some positivity.
On a recent expedition to the Northwest Passage and the Arctic organized by Exodus Travels and Quark Expeditions, my plans were initially disrupted by weather conditions. However, upon reaching Calgary, we were informed that we would depart two days later due to conditions in the Arctic. Unfortunately, serious forest fires in Yellowknife on the third day forced us to abandon the trip.
Remarkably, we received generous compensation and our return flights were rescheduled with ease. Within two business days of returning home, my trip for next year was rebooked, and the refund and compensation were credited to my account. How about that?
PA, Maidstone
Among the multitude of travel complaints we’ve received recently, your letter of praise stands out.
It’s easy to become disheartened while reading countless complaints, so it’s refreshing to hear about a positive experience. Kudos to Exodus Travels and Quark Expeditions for their exceptional service.
If any other readers have similarly uplifting travel stories amid this summer’s chaos, we’d love to hear them. Feel free to email us at the provided address.
We appreciate your letters, but please note that we cannot respond individually. You can reach us at [email protected] or by mail at Consumer Champions, Money, the Guardian, 90 York Way, London N1 9GU. Don’t forget to include a daytime phone number. Please be aware that submission and publication of all letters are subject to our terms and conditions.
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