Payment protection insurance (PPI) complaints have driven a marked increase in overall complaints in the financial services sector in Scotland.According to new figures obtained by the Scotsman from the Financial Ombudsman Service, there was a significant spike in PPI claims during the second half of last year.Coupled with rising car insurance and credit card problems, complaints in the sector overall has hit record levels.Another area that has affected the number of complaints is the steadily rising overdraft charges levied by banks, which have risen to 19.47 per cent of overdraft value according to This is Money.When compared to figures from 2010, the number of complaints reached 17,007 - rising by 47 per cent year-on-year.Speaking to the news provider, an FOS spokesperson said: "The ombudsman service helped to sort out a record number of complaints from consumers in Scotland in 2011 - and indications are that numbers will continue to increase in the year ahead."They added that complaints often increase during difficult financial times and encouraged people to try and take control of their finances by seeking professional advice if they find themselves in trouble.Jennifer HainesJennifer's speciality knowledge is credit card changes and balance transfers.
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