A bunch of useless muppets (cahoot.co.uk)

Member Name: dogmatix

Product:	cahoot.co.uk
Date:	07/08/08 (91 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: None anymore

Disadvantages: See below, don't bother with them

A complete pile of s@%t! I joined them a few years ago for a flexible loan at a decent ish rate. During they following years they appeared to put the interest rate up monthly. I think at last sight (this is another matter) it was about 19% - higher than my credit card.

I recently had problems logging in. I know my details were right I had (go on shout at me !) written the login details down and filed them somewhere safe (honest!) so I knew all my memorable data and password were right. I don't know if my fingers or my caps lock was to blame but I got locked out. I rang the call centre who took me through security and then said they could change all my details. No need said I - I know the details I just need the account unlocking and I will type it again very carefully ! I was told they couldn't do that and insisted on changing all my logon details. Again they verified security, this included my telephone number which had changed since I opened the account. They informed me that they couldn't now do anything with the online banking until I had completed a change of phone number form, but were happy to deal with me over the phone. The form was duly sent to me. Two weeks later I still didn't have the form and still couldn't get into my account. I was finally sent the form. The letter stated "we have received a call today but could not verify the caller using the security information we currently hold". That's funny - they did all right last week when I rang them or do they just send random change of details forms out to their customers ? There was no change of phone number form, just a form to reset my security information, and this daft letter claiming I had failed security. As well as the form they also wanted me to confirm all my ID using the same documents they presumably have on file from when I opened the account. Nothing has changed except my phone number ! They claim they can't let me back into my account online as my security information is incorrect, yet they will happily correspond with me through email and also, after I HAVE PASSED security discuss with me my account, balance, etc. I have never been so incensed by an organisation. They claim they have my security as a priority yet I can ring up and supposedly after failing security discuss all my account details. Not yet has anyone hung up on me as I failed security ! I have online banking with Abbey Business, Nationwide, Alliance & Leicester, Barclaycard, MBNA and Smile and have NEVER been asked to send a whole barrage of ID documents in for a change of phone number. If I forget a password after the security check the password is changed there and then. Most organisations ask you to confirm your phone number and change it if it's wrong.

Unfortunately I need to print statements off from the online banking system so have no choice but to jump through their circus hoops. As soon as it's done I'm closing the account and also considering closing my Abbey Business account with them. I am totally fed up with the lot of them. If I didn't need to keep statements for my accountant I would have just cancelled the direct debit payment and let them jump through the hoops instead. Absolutely fuming !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why the hell do I have to give them a rating ?????????????????? They aren't even worth one star !

Summary: if you want crap service,duplicitous security standards and loads of hassle be in cahoots with them!