I was sent a First National Merchantcard totally unsolicited in the mail. I was quite suspicious of it immediately simply because I hadn't signed up or requested any sort of card anywhere; my credit is excellent and always has been, so I didn't understand why I received it.
Supposedly I was approved for a maximum unsecured credit line of $6500—but the card has a $99 annual fee and an activation fee of $200 (which they "graciously" offered to offset with $200 in credit with my first purchase over $500). Some deal, huh?
As they only provided an 800 activation number and no customer service number, I called it to find out more. I grew more doubtful when I discovered it was completely automated. However, I continued with it to see where it would take me.
I went a few steps in to see if I'd get the option to speak to a real person, entering fake card and approval numbers when they were requested (like all 5s or all 3s). I had to do this several times, but eventually they routed me to a live operator because "I seemed to be having trouble" (hah hah ;). After a couple of rings, what did I hear but a busy signal, no operator.
A search on the internet to see if I could contact them another way or find their "catalog" only brought up consumer complaints's site. This offer is not to be trusted; please rip it up and throw it away or hang up if you're solicited over the phone. Your credit's not worth the further hassle and destruction this can only bring you.
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