Benefits taken without consent
I have a personal loan from First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), where I have a salary transfer account from my previous company, and I have been paying the necessary instalments every month.
I changed my job in August 2017. Since then, I have been receiving a regular salary, which is higher than my previous salary, from my new company. My final month’s salary and end of service benefit amount from my previous company was credited to my account in August 2017. The bank called me to submit my documents in order for them to release my salary and end of service benefits. Hence, all the documents, which included a copy of my passport, new visa, Emirates ID, labour contract, salary certificate and salary transfer certificate, were submitted on September 12, 2017 and I submitted it all again for my salary transfer letter on September 28, 2017.
The bank representative told me they would take all my benefits, because the new company was not listed by their bank. I replied to them asking why they the bank should get my salary and benefits, because I still use the account to transfer my salary every month? I complained to the customer service representatives, but there has been no action taken in this matter. They took one and a half month’s salary to deduct my dues, along with my end of service benefits (last month’s salary, bonus, ticket and gratuity). I inquired about this matter and the bank representative informed me that it was adjusted with the principal loan. The reason is apparently because the gratuity is not mine, since I took a loan from the bank, and I have no right to it. I requested them to reimburse the end of service benefits amount. I have already sent a breakdown of my end of service benefits to the bank representative, but he hasn’t yet reverted to me.
A FAB representative later called to tell me that only half of last month’s salary from my previous company would be reimbursed, and they would not refund the other benefits, despite the fact that I have never defaulted in any of my payments, and have submitted all my documents to them. This is a huge amount and it is extremely unfair for a bank to treat its customers like this! I am facing financial problems now because of this issue. How can I manage my family expenses because of this matter?
Does the bank have the right to adjust the settlement cash on my loan without my consent? I don’t know which door to knock on. Gulf News is my only hope.
From Mr Joel N. Flores
Dubai
The management of FAB responds:
FAB supports the growth ambitions of its stakeholders and goes beyond financial products and services, and as such, we are grateful for all customer feedback as we strive to consistently deliver the highest standards of service. The bank has been in contact with Mr Flores, and explained that the customer’s end-of-service-benefits were used to settle his loan and other liabilities.
Mr Flores responds:
This issue is resolved. Thank you.
(Process initiation: November 3, 2017. Response from organisation: December 5, 2017. Process completion: January 13, 2018.)
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