I bought a washer and dryer at Sears in Fort Myers, Florida in April. They wanted me to take out a credit card and save 10%, with free delivery, free installation and multiple rebates, and no payments or interest for 12 months.
Month after month I would get a statement and file it, knowing I would owe $2,439.12 by March 31. This morning, March 7, I realized I hadn't received a statement since Dec. I pulled the last statement and decided to go ahead and pay early so I wouldn't miss the deadline.
When I called, I was shocked to learn that 5 days ago they added $629.88 in interest charges!!!
I called the credit department, and they said, "Oh no, you bought the merchandise in February and your 12 months were up 5 days ago." Now, I am disabled and partially blind, and I can't find the original documents, so I can only assume, based on the fact that I donated the w/d I had to charity in April, that they changed the actual date of purchase. I offered to pay the $2,439.12 while on the phone, and they said no! They wanted the additional $629.88. After all, "it's not their fault you didn't get your statements." I pointed out that I have always paid my bill early and in full for years, only to be told "it doesn't matter."
Additionally, I was informed that Sears doesn't handle the credit, Citibank does, "so Sears can't help me." My credit card says Sears on the front, not Citibank. Needless to say, after being threatened with ruining what credit I have, I paid the whole amount and will pursue some other ways to get my money.
I now clearly understand why Sears and Citibank are in deep trouble. I hope it gets worse for them.
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