Dont trust First Direct. They make unacceptable mistakes (First Direct)

Member Name: MR_K

Product:	First Direct
Date:	02/03/09 (83 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: low rate

Disadvantages: Send money to wrong account, lots of phone calls. slow mortgage service

Check out the dates on other reviews too.
They were slow, didn't let me use a normal solicitor and then sent my repayment monies for my old mortgage to the wrong account !!!
This mistake of accidentally sending my entire mortgage repayment to the wrong account is completely unacceptable.
I do not know many people who can afford to have 2 mortgage payments going for 2 different mortgages on the same property. I wouldn't be surprised if some First Direct employee used my mortgage money to pay off their own debt. I hope the FSA can do something to stop mortgage lenders from making such mistakes.
In my situation I was completely unaware that when I received the message from First Direct telling me that my mortgage was setup, that they hadn't bothered getting any confirmation that they had sent the money to the correct lender or got any receipt that my old mortgage was repaid.
This has been a terrible experience from start to finish. The extra mortgage payment has put me into serious debt with my bank account. First Direct advised me to cancel the payment which if I had done I would have been charged an extra £25 for bounced direct-debit. Also, I'm sure if you miss mortgage payments that your home is at risk.
This must have affected my credit rating with other lenders which during the current financial situation is the last thing I need.
In summary, don't trust First Direct, call them at least once a day, make sure you speak to your current mortgage lender so they can confirm what is happening.

Summary: No checks and balances. Dont trust them with your house or life savings.