Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen Criticized for Charging 7% Interest After Major Heist

 

Sparkasse Gelsenkirchen is facing strong criticism after charging a customer more than 7% interest on a temporary loan, despite her being a victim of a massive bank robbery.

The customer, Astrid Kaiser, 57, said part of her gold stored in a safety deposit box was stolen. She had planned to use it to pay for a cruise she had already booked.

While waiting for insurance compensation, she took out a bridging loan and was shocked by the high interest rate. Kaiser said she expected the bank to grant her an interest-free loan under such extraordinary circumstances.

The bank noted that safety deposit boxes are insured up to €10,300. Kaiser, however, argued that being charged high interest made her “a victim twice” – first by the theft, then by the costly loan.

Sources – Agencies