Today the a Serious Fraud Officer said the fact that Bankers are knowingly taking huge sums of money from customers is the responsibility of the polititians to remedy.

We say deliberate overcharging is serious theft, particularly when we consider the position of trust a banker holds in the eyes of the public.

For three years we have been providing the government with evidence of serious overcharges and improper fee charging, costing unprotected bank customers many $millions.

If any other business sector within New Zealand allowed crimes against their customers of this magnitude to go uncorrected, immediated government action would be taken.

Hon Paul Swain, Minister of commerce has been advised of the seriousness and human cost of bankers unacceptable practices since his election to office, therefore any further delays in him taking action are inexcusable.

The Minister of Consumer Affairs met with us on 1 February 00 and has subsequently been offered substantial proof of gross misuse of the privilledge commercial position allowed to banks by government. Reports of misuse of the Banking Ombudsman Scheme along with several other malpractice's have not received the action promised by the Minister. The Prime Minister has been advised of the position at all times. This totally uncontrolled professional pilfering is directly or indirectly effecting every New Zealander so the Government must act now. –

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P.O.Box 141-77

Tauranga

Phone # (07) 578-1406 Facsimile # (07) 578-1462

E-mail address baker.emily@xtra.co.nz

Coordinator - Mrs. Suzanne Baker

Spokesman Gray Eatwell Ph/Fax (03) 755 6461

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