Issues
The banking system under spotlight -

a web site inspired by National Australia Bank Limited.

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Why inspired by National Australia Bank Limited? Firstly, as Australia's largest banking network, they epitomise many of the fears, the trauma and the anger that is building towards the entire banking industry. Secondly, because the banking sector's legal, but morally unacceptable, practices have and will cost millions of Australian families thousands of dollars in dubious costs and fees. My family is a case in point. In today's informed society these banking practices need to be questioned by society.

This web page:

This is your web page. We want to build it around stories, your day to day experiences both good and bad with the Australian banking system and any bank within it.

There are some simple rules that apply, but everybody including the banking system itself is welcome to participate and will be given an equal voice in this web. This site is not aimed at denegrating the banking system or a bank but is aimed at making this sector accountable - an issue that an overwhelming number of Australians feel very strongly about. The information carried here is seen as being important for the public record.

Note to self: 'Cancel credit cards prior to death! Be sure and cancel your credit cards before you die! This is so priceless and so easy to see happening - customer service, being what it is today!

A lady died this past January, and ANZ bank billed her for February and March for their annual service charges on her credit card, and then added late fees and interest on the monthly charge. The balance had been $0.00, now is somewhere around $60.00.

A family member placed a call to the ANZ Bank:

Family Member:
'I am calling to tell you that she died in January.'

ANZ:
'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member:
'Maybe, you should turn it over to collections.'

ANZ:
'Since it is two months past due, it already has been.'

Family Member:
So, what will they do when they find out she is dead?'

ANZ:
'Either report her account to the frauds division or report her to the credit bureau, maybe both!'

Family Member:
'Do you think God will be mad at her?'

ANZ:
'Excuse me?'

Family Member:
'Did you just get what I was telling you . . . The part about her being dead?'

ANZ:
'Sir, you'll have to speak to my supervisor.'

Supervisor gets on the phone:

Family Member:
'I'm calling to tell you, she died in January.'

ANZ:
'The account was never closed and the late fees and charges still apply.'

Family Member:
'You mean you want to collect from her estate?'

ANZ:
(Stammer) 'Are you her lawyer?'

Family Member:
'No, I'm her great nephew.' (Lawyer info given)

ANZ:
'Could you fax us a certificate of death?'

Family Member:
'Sure.' ( fax number is given )

After they get the fax:
ANZ:
'Our system just isn't set up for death. I don't know what more I can do to help.'

Family Member:
'Well, if you figure it out, great! If not, you could just keep billing her. I don't think she will care.'

ANZ:
'Well, the late fees and charges do still apply.'

Family Member:
'Would you like her new billing address?'

ANZ:
'That might help.'

Family Member:
' Rookwood Memorial Cemetery, 1249 Centenary Rd, Sydney Plot Number 1049.'

ANZ:
'Sir, that's a cemetery!'

Family Member:
'Well, what the fuck do you do with dead people on your planet?'

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