Don't leave your account overdrawn. Clear the balance. Shut the account and bank with a good bank. HBOS have turned into money grabbers. They are a shower of sh*te.

I had a bank charge applied in early 2007 and have never touched or used the account since. It has steadily accrued interest until December 2008 when the outstanding balance hit £50. They have never contacted me since the bank charge was applied and bank statements arrived every month with another interest charge added.

Since December the harassment by the Halifax has been relentless. They telephoned me daily, sent threatening letters and would not listen to a word I said. Their staff are rude and ignorant. One of them even hung up on me.

I have a bank charge claim against the Halifax on this account for £400 and £250 on another account with them.

I paid the sum they were asking whe they sent me a letter stating they were sending someone to my house to discus the debt and would charge me £50 for the privilage.

The two accounts are now sitting empty and I refuse to close them until the bank charge claim is settled. I have closed both of my childrens' savings accounts and will do the same with the current accounts when the claims are settled.

I now bank with the Nat West but have since been told they are in the same group so thinking about changing again.

I agree they are calling in all overdue monies with a vengence - cant pay big bonuses and dividends if there is no money in the pot, can they. Or are they inline for a cash injection off the Government??????????????/