Bank Account

[Explorer-8]

Some time ago, I took out a simple bank account that doesn't have an overdraft facility. Someone who used to be a friend of mine asked me if he could use it to put any money into it that he earned because he didn't have a bank account. He said there was a time limit from going bankrupt to when he would be allowed to open an account. He said that it would only be for a year, but many years have passed since then. He has taken over the account so he uses it online from his address instead of mine. I want to close the account. I could send him a letter telling him that I am closing the account. How can I go about it?

[ummmm]

Eddie - what are your qualifications to give out wrong advice?

[Explorer-8]

Another problem is that I don't receive letters from the bank. He "borrowed" the card, and wouldn't give it back, and I suspect that he's using my account online from his address. Would I have to tell the bank his address and not mine? Would any of you support the idea of giving him notice with a recorded letter, or just closing the account myself if I am able to do it. He has weaved a web of deceit that is difficult to untangle.

[EDDIE51]

From what you have just told us he is impersonating you.
The bank have your name but his address for the account.
I don't know the best way out of this now. I would him send the recorded letter as advised but just tell him you did not realise he was still using your account and tell him you are going to close the account and you need the card back.
Ummmm, for the first year of bankruptcy before discharge you are still required to disclose any assets and this guy has used Explorer to circumvent that requirement.

[twix123]

You should have been receiving statements from your bank at least once a year. If your 'friend' has used the on-line banking facility to change the postal address, it is possible that he has used printed statements to obtain credit &/or credit cards under your name, as well as the possibilities of money laundering and, if his earnings have been in cash, tax evasion.
Not only would I have the account closed, but I would also request the bank to supply you with statements from the date you opened the account up to the current date, in order that you can ascertain the type, value and regularity of transactions that have been passed through your account.
You say that he 'borrowed' the card - have it cancelled with immediate effect! Do not give him any notice, it is your account that nominally contains your money. Send him a cheque, payable to him, drawn on the account for any money that is his and let him worry about how and where he is going to bank it.

[jennyjoan]

Again and again I cannot understand Bankruptcy - as I know some people who are "allegedly" bankrupt. But since gone to buy a new car, caravan, holidays abroad - I 'm sorry cannot understand

Years ago I thought when you were declared bankrupt - you hadn't a penny to your name - not what I can see.

[Mamyalynne]

The process may appear simple on the face of it but for many it really is the last resort and not done frivolously, it can be quite unpleasant and have long lasting effects.

There are of course exceptions.

[Explorer-8]

I have found out that the account has been deactivated for years, and there isn't much in it, and it is still in my name - thankfully. I will be closing it tomorrow.

[Islay]

That is good news explorer - there was a lot of scaremongering going on in this thread - luckily now none of it applies to you.

[Peter Pedant]

good news....
actually one of us should have guessed that
( you hadnt heard about it for a year or two)

anyway- problem solved
[ there are some favours esp about money that you really should think twice about doing]

experian and equifax do a £2 credit search
( be careful - they do a lot more for a lot more )
which it may be worthwhile paying £4 for

(memo to self - do a experian and equifax search for myself )

[Peter Pedant]

good advice twist
not particularly scare mongery

I had an (ex)tenant [the one whose father said "I am a protestant minister not a roman catholic saint) - and I found credit card letters without the credit cards - in other peoples names in the now vacated house

so I wrote to the lucky owners and said you better cancel everything and start again. They did NOT thank me !