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Bank Error Puts Family £1.5Million Overdrawn

Bank Error Puts Family £1.5Million Overdrawn

The family have said they are no relying on food banks and handouts as their accounts are still frozen

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A banking error left a family £1.5million ($2,091,948) overdrawn and, despite it not being their fault, have now had their bank accounts frozen, leaving them with nothing to live on.


Paul and Kayleigh Livermore family say they are now having to rely on food banks and handouts from family and friends after their three Barclays accounts were each overdrawn by £500,000 ($697,316).

The couple, who have three children aged 11, eight and seven, said they spotted the mistake on Easter Monday. Imagine waking up and seeing that.

They say that despite letting the bank know, the accounts are still frozen - meaning they have failed to make planned payments for their rent, tax, car and phone bills. The bank has said it has launched an investigation.

Paul said: "Maybe Barclays could explain why my account was suspended so abruptly with no explanation.

SWNS

"I'm angry and disappointed. I have been a Barclays customer for over 15 years, it's not good enough."

Speaking about the moment he found out he'd been plunged so deeply into the red, he said: "I first noticed it on Easter Monday when I was using my card to do some family shopping and I was withdrawing my cash for the week.

"It told me my bank account had been suspended.

"Initially the account was suspended for ten working days and then they told me the accounts were going to be held indefinitely under investigation.

"The bank have also text me saying that bills have not been paid and our mobile phone accounts have been suspended for outgoing calls, as well as the home Internet.

"We have pretty much been living off handouts since Bank Holiday Monday, I have never been in a situation like this before and it is so embarrassing to ask for so much help.

"The kids are managing and we are making sure they are eating - they have lunch at school - but I have had to encourage them to play on the PlayStation less and play more in the garden.

"The food bank gave us a lot of vegetables, fruit and items for the cupboard as well as some bread and milk.

"They have also offered to let us use the local homeless kitchen which helps those in need. t is really overwhelming how supportive everyone has been."

SWNS

The couple say all the accounts were in credit when the error was made. Paul added that he has never even had an agreed overdraft with Barclays, other than an 'emergency £10 buffer'.

He continued: "I cried when I saw the figure, I was gobsmacked and didn't know what was going on.

"It's so confusing and stressful, we have missed payments for our car finance, tax and rent because of this."

A Barclays spokesperson said: "We are currently investigating the matter."

Featured Image Credit: SWNS

Topics: Bank, UK News, Money