In November 1998, I received a catalog from Newport News. Being 18 and naive with Christmas around the corner, I called and placed and order totaling $240.58. I was presented with an approval for a FCNB Charge Account with a credit limit of $250.00. Like I said, I was 18 and naive. I agreed to have the merchandise charges added to the FCNB account.
When my merchandise did NOT arrive by the beginning of December 1998, I became concerned and called Newport News. I was informed that it would be "looked into". I received my first statement from FCNB with the charges in December 1998. I contacted FCNB on December 12,1998 and also informed them that my merchandise was not received.
They informed me to write a dispute letter and send it to the address listed on the back of the statement. They also told me to write a letter of dispute to Newport News. I did this.By mid-January 1999, I had not yet received the merchandise nor received any response from either FCNB or Newport News. I contacted both again. FCNB told me that I had to contact Newport News. I did. But to no surprise I got the telephone run-around and no answer.
I was simply told that they would "look into it" again. This circle of calling and writing dispute letters went on monthly until August 1999 when I finally skpoe with a "nice" representative at Newport News who informed me that all charged would be removed. But, isn't it the law that companies have 30-days to investigate and SETTLE a dispute? This had gobe on for over 8 months at this point.
After the information received in August 1999, I was relived that it was finally all over. Or so I thought.in early I began receiving collections notices regarding my FCNB Charge Account.
I contacted FCNB AGAIN who AGAIN told me I had to speak with Newport News. So, AGAIN I called Newport News. Which is when I was informed that there was nothing that they could do at this point because the account was too old. I was furious. I asked to speak to a supervisor but of course not one was available! Somehow I got disconnected!? I continued to call and write them regarding this ever since but with no response of course.
The account was eventuallly turned over to Midland Credit Management who called and harassed on a daily basis. I also wrote them a letter on SEVERAL occassions stating that I disputed the charges. They continued to call and harass me as well as report the account to the credit bureaus. Of which I thought was illegal if you disputed the charges?
I continue to call and write FCNB and Newport News on a monthly basis. I have utilized my time not to mention my money to try to get this matter resolved. I just hope someone out there might be able to help me! If so, please let me know!!
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