M
523 days ago

Banking Regulations and Large Corporates - Beware

Mike from Papanui

Found out some pretty shocking information.... I cancelled my insurance policy with AMI and they owed me a refund.
Instead of paying the refund, they set up a direct debit on my bank account with BNZ without my authority and withdrew the amount they were supposed to refund me.
Called the bank to find out how that could have happened and they told me that "a number of large organisations were allowed to set up direct debits without any authorisation from the customer".
I called the Banking Ombudsman and they confirmed that was correct. They said it was done to "reduce the amount of paperwork for the organisations and they depended on the fact it would reflect badly on these organisations if they abused the plan" to prevent any issues.

So anytime they want, telcos, insurance companies electricity companies, etc can set up a direct debit on your accounts and deduct money. If you want to dispute it, you have to go through a disputes resolution process, so there goes hours, days or months of your time to get your money back.

Unbelievable!!!!!

More messages from your neighbours
15 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

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13 days ago

Poll: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Press reports that Canterbury is right in the middle of a construction boom, with activity forecast to peak around 2027 and major investment flowing into transport, water and energy infrastructure.

We want to know: Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?

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Are you starting to feel a lift in business confidence across the Canterbury region?
  • 43.6% Yes
    43.6% Complete
  • 56.4% No
    56.4% Complete
101 votes
3 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

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Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.5% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.5% Complete
  • 19.8% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.8% Complete
  • 69.6% Nah - not for me
    69.6% Complete
761 votes