If you fail to meet your financial obligations, a creditor can request to seize money or assets from a third party (which in this case would be Swan) to recover what you owe.
A "Saisie Avis à Tiers Détenteur” (SATD) is like a legal notice to collected debt, similar to a seizure notice to a third party holder.
This process is legally binding and not under Swan's control.
Before your account is debited for an SATD request, you’ll usually receive a notification, such as a warning letter or email from the seizing authority.
Swan can only provide the contact details and reference of the seizing authority, not the warning document or reasons for the seizure.
Types of SATD requests
Seizure requests may come from various sources such as government authorities, credit institutions, or social security administrations, among others. They issue these requests for many reasons, including:
- Mortgage payments
- Loan repayments (car, personal, student)
- Unpaid taxes or tax penalties
- Unpaid child support
- Medical debt
- Legal fees
- Court-ordered restitution
- Other outstanding debts or financial obligations
- … and more
Account history
An SATD transaction will be recorded in your account history and bank statement. Should you notice a label in your account history that you don't recognize, it might be an SATD. Confirm that it's not related to a legitimate seizure before considering the possibility of a fraudulent transaction.
Identifying an SATD transaction
To identify the seizing authority behind a transaction, carefully review the label on the transaction for essential information, such as the reference number and the amount of money involved. Cross-check this information with any warning letters or emails you've received.
The transaction type may be categorized as an internal credit transfer, and the credited account may be labeled as end-customer seizure.
If you need help finding the details of the transaction or the contact information for the relevant administration, submit a request to Swan Support.
SATD handling fees
An SATD charge on your account includes two parts:
- The actual seized amount
- Handling fee that Swan charges for managing this process
Swan’s handling fee is 20% of the total requested amount, up to a maximum fee of €100. The handling fee is deducted no matter how much is in your account at the time.
After deducting the handling fee, Swan will transfer the remaining balance from your account to the party requesting the seizure - this is a partial transfer. You are still responsible for any outstanding balance owed to the administration after fees are deducted.
To understand SATD fees and deductions, please review your payment account's Terms and Conditions.
SATD disputes
If you think there's been a mistake with an SATD deduction from your account, you must dispute it with the administration that initiated the claim.
In cases where it's confirmed that your funds were wrongfully seized, Swan can process a refund.
You'll need to provide an official proof document from the authority that confirms the seizure has been canceled or lifted, known as “main levée” in French. After Swan confirms the validity of the claim with the authority, your refund will be processed.