An Australian woman, Maria*, found herself in a nightmarish ordeal after an error by ANZ bank wiped out her entire mortgage. In 2017, Maria requested the release of a second mortgage on her Brisbane property, but ANZ mistakenly released both mortgages. It took Maria over a year to discover the error when she tried to sell the property.

Upon informing the bank, ANZ lodged a caveat on the property, leading to a series of legal battles that have dragged on for eight years. Maria’s psychologist described the situation as potentially “torturous” due to the mental and financial toll it has taken on her. ANZ accused Maria of fraud, despite her honest actions in reporting the bank’s mistake.
ANZ’s litany of errors extended beyond Maria’s case. She claimed the bank had made multiple mistakes since she took out the loan, including registering mortgages against the wrong addresses and failing to release mortgages promptly. Maria also highlighted ANZ’s misleading practices, which resulted in a $25 million fine by the Federal Court for misleading customers.

The ongoing legal battle has left Maria financially drained, with her legal bill exceeding $300,000. She has had to borrow money and use her superannuation funds to cover the costs. ANZ’s relentless pursuit of the case has exacerbated Maria’s anxiety and stress, with her psychologist questioning the bank’s treatment as potentially abusive.

Despite the soaring value of her property, Maria faces mounting debts due to ANZ’s actions. The bank’s refusal to engage in settlement conferences has further compounded the situation, leaving Maria feeling trapped in a never-ending legal battle. Her son, who was initially involved in the proceedings, criticized ANZ’s incompetence and lack of integrity.
Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather raised concerns about ANZ’s behavior, highlighting Maria’s distress. However, ANZ remained unresponsive to the allegations. Maria’s case underscores the challenges faced by consumers dealing with powerful financial institutions and the need for transparency and accountability in the banking sector.

As Maria continues to navigate the complexities of her legal battle, the case serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of banking errors and the uphill battle individuals may face in seeking justice against corporate giants.
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