Update: HDFC forcing me to settle my RBI Ombudsman complaint for ₹3k.
Original post- https://www.reddit.com/r/personalfinanceindia/s/B9NtieTHO0
Quick recap: 6 months delay in account closure, filed with RBI Ombudsman.
Here is what happened after:
- The incessant calls and WhatsApp messages started stating the “Ombudsman” has advised a compensation of whopping ₹3k and they need my bank account details. I asked them to send this over mail.
- I checked the RBI CMS portal immediately. Still Stage 1. No award. No advisory. Nothing.
- Turns out it was HDFC’s Internal Ombudsman and NOT the RBI Ombudsman.
- Sneaky shitts used the word “Ombudsman” without any clarification. I called it out in writing as a misrepresentation and refused the ‘compensation peanuts’.
- Then, they sent a DD to my address anyway without my consent. I refused to accept it at the door.
Why I refused and you should too if in a similar soup?
HDFC wants to show the ₹3k as mutual settlement to RBI. Not happening. Don’t ever settle for cheap.
Why is the Bank rattled?
The moment you file a legit complaint with RBI, the bank panics and force rushes you into a settlement for damage control. An adverse RBI Ombudsman finding goes on their regulatory record and banks will do anything to avoid it.
I’m also going to raise the misrepresentation with RBI, once the portal moves to next steps and allows to upload supplementary docs.