Over a year ago, I PCSd from Yokota AB, Japan to McGuire AFB, New Jersey in April. Unfortunately, due to no statements being received from AAFES, I missed paying a bill.
For over six months, I never received any statement or either a courtesy letter to remind me of any outstanding bill.in November I received a collection notice from OSI Collection Agency, demanding payment of overdue bill plus an exorbitant administrative fees.
When I called AAFES to inquire why no courtesy notice was mailed to me about an outstanding bill, the AAFES representative informed me that they cannot discuss anything with me because my account was already with the collection agency. To end the dispute, I paid the entire bill.
In February I had to exchanged a purchased item, with a receipt, to AAFES. I was told that my account has been blocked and no exchange/return can be done due to an outstanding account. I said I do not have any outstanding account; I was advised to call the main office and request them to unblock my account.
After this incident, I called OSI Collection Agency to inquire on whether they had notified AAFES that I paid my outstanding account after I sent them the payment in December. I was informed by this collection agency to bring my case to AAFES because they have done their part.
I called AAFES again and I was advised that it takes at least 60 days for the system to clear my name off the system. I then said that I paid my dues back December and it is now February which is over 60 days. I was assured by the AAFES representative said that they will unblock my account.
I made a follow-up with the Dallas AAFES main office the following month, March and was told that my account was unblocked. I believed them, and I have no way of knowing whether they did it or not until I have another return or exchange transaction with AAFES.
In November 4, I wanted to return two items, with receipts, and they were purchased day before. I had to stand in front of too many customers and got another embarassing moment when I was told by the McGuire AAFES sales clerk that my account was closed, that my account had been blocked and written off due to an outstanding account.
They looked in the computer and saw that there was no outstanding account, but could not explain to me why no transaction is authorized. They advised me to call the AAFES Accounts office in Texas to inquire.
I did call the Dallas AAFES main office and she validated the information that my account was blocked. I explained to her what happened and she could not give me an explanation of why after paying an outstanding bill and calling them at least twice last year, my account remained blocked. Another question: why did they close my account?
Zenaida
Mt Holly, New Jersey
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