Really annoyed with credit card company - how weird is this?
By pilbara
@pilbara (1436)
Australia
October 15, 2007 9:46pm CST
I opened a credit card about a year ago, provided the appropriate ID, used the card for about 3 months.
My sister had borrowed some money from me and it was easiest for her to deposit the money into my card.
Next thing I know my card is blocked and I can't use it. I ring up to query it and they say I didn't provide ID when I opened the account (like you can get away with not providing ID).
Then they said it was blocked because it had more than $1000 in credit. Umm it is actually $498 in credit.
Then they said it was blocked because I had made too many deposits into it in that month (so I'm being penalised for not accumulating a debt. according to them I could be a money launderer - with 5 deposits totalling $800 I can really understand that).
The upshort was I had to provide my ID all over again to get it unblocked, not happy about that as you have to get it all certified which is a pain, but I do it and send it off. Nothing happened, I ring them again, we don't have it, so I have to do it again. Which I did.
I have just contacted them again and guess what? They still don't have it. I want to close the account but they won't release the money until I do this all over again.
It's very annoying.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@wiccania (3360)
• United States
16 Oct 07
Contact them and find out specifically who you need to address the proof of ID to. Then, when you send it out, choose a method that requires a signature for delivery and that you can track online to see when it's been delivered. That gives you a trail showing that you've sent the paperwork and they've received it.
1 person likes this
@lyndee22 (1210)
• Philippines
16 Oct 07
I have an experienced with credit card that once you notify them they will act on it immediately. My monthly installment was billed to me twice in a certain period of time. I called up the bank and informed and inquired reagrding my bill. Upon getting some personal information and checking on my account they found out that my problem really exists and they advised me that it will be returned through reversal. Upon receiving my next bill I checked it immediately and it is really deducted in my bill.
@Qaeyious (2357)
• United States
16 Oct 07
I work for a financial company in the United States, and we do require under the beloved "Patriot" Act to have specific identification information. When asked about it we do say that it is because of the Act and that it is an effort to combat terrorism.
Whoever accused, or even if it was hinted at that you were laundering money however, I'm pretty sure if they worked with us they would get a serious talking to. Same thing with market timing and other questionable practices. Such activities are investigated and taken to the authorities without any such communication to the account owner.
The registered mail idea (requiring a signature, and also sending it by a method that uses a tracking number) I concur are very good ideas. But I can't help but wonder is this a small company you are dealing with? Is it a bank or a store? I wonder because it is obvious their customer service is appalling.
@pilbara (1436)
• Australia
18 Oct 07
Thank you for your reply. However my first sentence included "provided the appropriate ID, used the card for about 3 months."
I understand ID needs to be provided, and I provided it which is why I subsequently received the card and used it.
My problem is that after all that they still blocked my card, because I went into credit and now want the same ID all over again. And, even worse I have actually supplied it to them twice more and they still say they don't have it.
@misheleen73 (6037)
• United States
16 Oct 07
I paid off my entire balance once, just to have the payment held for 14 days. Normally they credit the account right away, but not that time !! I so hate credit card companies ! I would definitely send the paperwork via ceritfied mail that requires a signature. That way you have proof they received it. I mean it is YOUR money they are holding.. all I can say to you is sorry.. There isn't much you can do when it comes to these people... UGH !!!
1 person likes this
