With the global credit crunch starting to make itself felt in the budgets of British households, it really is a case of every little helps.

As such, while in the past many people might have just mumbled to themselves or maybe sent a strong-worded letter to their bank manager after they received a financial slap on the wrist for going overdrawn or having the temerity to try and access their own money while on holiday in France, hardly anyone can afford to be so laid-back about their money or apathetic anymore.

Fortunately, this financial squeeze has come at a time when growing numbers of customers are fighting to win back the, often exorbitant sums of money there have been charged by their banks over the years, with most winning, thanks largely to the support of the Financial Services Authority.

According to research carried out by the BBC, UK banks refunded about £784 million to almost 378,000 customers last year alone, with this figure expected to increase as consumers get savvy about their rights.

This comes after the OFT ruled that credit card lenders have to cap their late payment fees at just £12, back in 2006, getting the ball rolling for the put-upon consumer.

However, despite these initial successes, many people are still unaware that they may be in with a chance of getting some money back, while many more have heard about the numerous high-profile court cases and yet are not taking their case further, either through indifference or a lack of confidence.

Marc Gander, founder of the Consumer Action Group, commented: "I find it amazing that there are still people who don't know about this issue, but actually there is an amazing number of people who don't seem to have clocked on to it.

"There's also an enormous amount of people who have heard of it but are very shy about taking on their banks."

He added that consumers should take action straight away, while the banks are on the ropes and the momentum is on the side of the customers.

Indeed, with research from consumers groups showing that some banks are still levying charges of £38 on customers who go against the conditions of their account, while one institution even charges £12, plus £5 a day and £12 a month for an overdraft facility, anyone who fails to at least give it a go is simply letting their money be taken right out of their hands at a time when they can least afford to do so.