I received a phone call regarding receiving a credit card shortly after filling out a credit card application online. I thought it would be nice to consolidate my store cards with high interest rates to one card with a lower rate, and I wanted to have it in my name and not my husband's.
It was a very nice lady who was only too happy to ask my very direct questions about limit, interest rates, ability to transfer balances etc. There was nothing vague about her answers. They were exactly what I was looking for. A moderate limit of $2500 and low interest rate with the ability to transfer amounts over to immediatly. She did not say up to a $2500 limit or may be a good interest rate, she stated very plainly what the specifics were.
Then she threw in the kicker they needed me to authorize a $250 withdrawl from my checking account. I asked if there was a website or information which I could review and if I could send in a money order instead. She said no that they were indeed working on a websit, but that it was not up yet. She said the reason they had to withdraw it from my account was to verify that I had an open account.
At the time I thought it sounded a little wierd, but like I said I thought it was related to an application which I had filled out. After asking many questions I agreed. I spoke to a verifier to verify my "mailing" information. I should have paid more attention to the questions he was asking, but I didn't.
I was told I would receive a "credit package" it 10 to 15 days. This was the first I heard of anything about it being for bad credit. I was confused due the fact that I have good credit. I didn't say anything though because at this point my 2 year old was banging on the door and I needed to get off the phone.
Anyway I pushed back the date of the withdrawl once and made it January 10th. Then as December went by I started to think maybe this is not the best idea. I called and spoke with a "customer service" agent and asked if I was not satisfied with what I received could I return it for a refund. He said absolutley they wanted happy customers. The withdrawl came on the 10th which just so happens to be the same day my father's funeral was held on.
I did indeed recieve a "credit helpers" package full of crap. There is a catlogue with a "credit card" and a $4000 limit. There are lots of papers for "free" vacations and cell phone services. And a book on how to improve your credit which is nothing more than logical ways to improve your credit listed in it. It was ridiculous.
I promptly called the "Credit Helpers" number to speak to someone. She told me I would receive a credit card acceptance letter within 5 days in a white envelope. I told her that is very vague and I recieve atleast one pre-approved credit letter a week from someone and the only reason I paid the $250 was so that I would not have to deal with annual and starting fees. She said that I was misinformed and she would write up the person I initially spoke with. When I requested a refund she said it is non-refundable as it was stated when I had my information verified.
They do indeed send you what they state in the "verification" process, which is a BOX. What they do not send you is acredit card at the limit, interest rate, or aminities which are hyped up in the initial conversation.
0 comments