*THIS IS NOT A SYMPATHY LETTER— SIMPLY GIVING BACKGROUD*
I am/was a college student. About 8 months ago I had to decide whether to stay in school and continue into debt, or to put school aside and try to get myself straightened out. Needless to say I had to quit, and I had taken an offer for two CitiBank Credit Cards, one was a Visa, and one was a MasterCard. Now, after some research and looking into this matter. I have found out that not only were these cards solicited to me (on a college campus) illegally *in some states* but they have a "security" policy that is vague and they do not give you a copy of this, nor do they mail you out the packet that is supposed to come along with this feature of the card.
So the $0.85 per $100 I was spending on security protection on my two accounts with CitiBank was "sold" to me as a protection against "Fraud" or "Unemployment" or "Disaster" the usual hype that these features tell you they cover.
So, facing the need to quit school and get some finances in order, I called in to see what help I could get. Because going to school "over" full-time and finding any job simultaneously is nearly impossible, I had relied some on these two cards. Mind you, my limits were very low.
I not only now have collections calls EVERYDAY from multiple collections agencies whom alledgedly have these accounts, but I have recieved HORRIBLE customer service from CLIENT SERVICES INC.
Now, I understand debts have to be paid. But the $3500 I have to pay on these two accounts is nothing compared to some of the commercial and other debts these places deal with.
I just want everyone to know that citi is soliciting cards with free items and pizzas etc. To college students, promising protection, and then pushing interest rates up and not holding to their word, and not even allowing you to obtain a current copy of their policies. Beware, they then will send you to collection agencies and let the accounts sit and collect fees on top of interest and who knows what else.
I am in no way shape or form in any position to pay off their ludicrous demands all at once, and they are asking me personal information that DOES NOT pertain to this collection account. And asking me how I live?!
I do not know how else to get the word out there... STAY AWAY FROM CITIBANK!!! If money fell out my bum, I would pay you, unfortunately you GAVE me your trust in these credit cards, and you protection that was promised did not come through. So you may have to wait until I get steady income!!!
I can't say enough, I am furious. Living in a temporary housing area, and going to school through a local rehabilitation program because I've basically lost everything and these people want to know how I was able to call them?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Get a grip! Quit giving out credit cards...
I hope they get sued!
Amanda
Delta, Colorado
U.S.A.
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