Having spoken with our bank, I have discovered that when
receiving direct
payments, on our statements they first give the account name
and number of
the person making a direct payment, followed by any
reference given.
However, they only allow a space of 15 characters for this
which means, in
practise, reference numbers are being cut off. And the only way
to find out
what they are is for me to ring the bank, who then rings the bank
of the
person making the payment, to ask for the full reference. Less
than ideal.
Stunning.
Anyway, here's a possible solution: they should be sending you
an "advice of credit". If they're not, ask why not. The advice
will contain all the information in full. The statement merely
makes reference to the advice. That's why you're only seeing
15 characters. The bank has all the information you need.
If they won't play properly, you may want to consider
changing banks.
Gavin