Consumer protection uncovers unfair fees

According to the Office of Competition and Consumer Protection (UOKiK), Santander's Bank Zachodni WBK has been charging unfair fees for payment reminder letters. The investigation included mail and telephone reminders, as well as other debt collection services. The bank has agreed to stop such practices before October 30. The watchdog claimed that the fees, ranging from PLN 9 for a telephone reminder to PLN 50 for handing over collection to a debt collector, were unjustifiably high. An UOKiK press release stated that, "The bureau reminded that fees should reflect the actual costs incurred by the bank. Furthermore, the bank acted illegally by carrying out correspondence and telephone conversations at the cost of the consumer without allowing such an opportunity to the other side of the contract." A similar decision has already been recorded in an unauthorized clauses register. The bank will be obliged to lower the fees to e.g. PLN 1.75 for a regular letter, PLN 6.30 for a letter with return confirmation. The consumer will also have the right to demand a return of costs for correspondence with the bank in case the latter does not follow through on contractual agreements.