Bunhill: Still chequeing

FURTHER to this column's rantings on American Express, news reaches Bunhill that the lofty institution's treatment of customers does not always match that promoted in its television advertising. The TV campaign shows that customers who have lost their travellers cheques have them replaced by sunny Amex staff without even leaving the beach.

Timothy Pickup no doubt throws a large object at his set when the commercials come on. He is resorting to legal action to get a refund for some stolen travellers cheques.

Mr Pickup says he bought pounds 1,900 worth of Amex travellers cheques in London in December but had them stolen within an hour. Police were informed, and Amex was also contacted in anticipation of the kind of prompt response that the advertising campaign promises. No such luck.

Letters from Amex say the claim was not supported by sufficient evidence and closed by saying: 'We are unable to give a refund.'

Mr Pickup is now mounting a legal action and a claim for legal aid.