In the Spring of 2011 I applied for and received a Walmart and Lowes Credit Card which was offered by GE Capital Retail Bank. Once I was approved I was offered and enrolled in credit card insurance or GE Capital's Debt Relief Insurance. When I applied for and received the live of credit for both retail establishments I was only a part-time employee working anywhere between 12-32 hours per week based on the current payroll allocation.
In May I unfortunately lost my job through no fault of my own and was able to continue to make monthly payments until November when my unemployment ran out. I filed a claim for benefits under this optional Debt Relief Program that was offered to me, since I lost my job through no fault of my own.
I completed all the required forms that GE Capital Retail Bank Card Security sent to me and also provided them with proof of my unemployment status and copies of payments as well as copy's of my paycheck stubs from my previous employer.
In mid November I received a letter denying me benefits because I was quote: "Working on a part-time basis. The agreement requires that you be gainfully employed on a full time basis (30 or more hours per week) in a non seasonal occupation when the loss of employment occurs in order to qualify for benefits."
I disputed this with GE Capital and I was told "you should have read the fine print". GE Capital Retail Bank did not ask, nor did they know that I was a part-time wage earner; until I filed for benefits under the policy that was offered. As a part-time wage earner I was good enough to apply for and receive credit with two different retail establishments. I was also good good enough to be charged, and pay the monthly fee's for the added protection in the even that I lost my job though no fault of my own.
I continued this dispute with the Better Business Bureau, and GE Capital Retail Bank stated that as a honored card holder of Walmart that they would refund my all of my payments for their debt relief program to my credit card, however they still continued to charge me for the program, but deny me the use of its benefits. When I spoke to Walmart they stated that they have nothing to do with this and to settle my dispute with GE Capital Retail Bank. I called GE Capital Retail Bank, and they told me that they have nothing to do with the card security program; when I talked to the card security center they told me, oh well sorry.
Since then GE Capital has turned me over to third party collections. I feel that this is possible borderline fraud, and misrepresentation by GE Capital Retail Bank.
Anyone one have input on where I should prceed next? I am thinking about filing complaints with the Attorney Generals office where I live and in Georgia.
0 comments