Back in February just after receiving the news that my husband would be deploying to Iraq to serve during Operation Iraqi Freedom, we decided to clean out our savings account to pay off this card, and give him a "clean card" to use as he needed while deployed. Our balance was around $1400.
While awaiting a flight, he was required to stay over, and attempted to pay for a hotel room with this card. He calls me in a panic when the card is declined. Thinking of course this must be some kind of mix up, I called FCNB. I was told: "Thank you for your payment ma'am, your account has been closed." I nearly fell out of my chair! As I started to question as to why, we were never late, always paid more, etc. I was cut off by the clerk. Her comments were: "Didn't you receive the notice we sent regarding your account? You probably thought it was junk mail and threw it out. Anyway, your account, along with everyone else's has been closed to further use. It had nothing to do with your credit with the company. Sorry for any inconvenience. Can I be of any more help?"
I nearly screamed into the phone, do you know what you have done? This was the only extra money we had, and thinking my husband would have access to the $1600 on it and now it is not available, it felt like we had just been robbed. Under the circumstances, had we have known the card would be closed, we would not have paid off the account at that time, but pay off the other card we held. We ended up having to go into even more debt in order for us to afford to allow him to stay in hotel's the extended amount of time he was required to prior to leaving the country, a total of 4 weeks. We will be reimbursed by the military, but not until he comes home. As of today, I'm still waiting.
Last week, I received a bill from FCNB. It shows I have a credit on my account! A credit! So, I promptly call the number on the bill to find out when I can expect my "refund in annual fee paid" a total of $39.00. Surprise! No one to talk to. The option to speak with an individual is no longer there. The recording says I have a credit, and no payment due. Big Deal! I want my money!
After reading the previous lists, I guess I shouldn't hold my breath on the $39.00. Every phone number I've tried from searching the net has been a bust. Any suggestions would be helpful. It's annoying that my $39.00 is earning interest in their account, and they are in no hurry to allow it to earn it in mine.
Thanks for the ability to tell my story, vent a bit, and comiserate with all the other poor souls that fell victim to FCNB's tricks.
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