Complaint Review: Capital First Bank

Using my Power of Attorney to handle my son's affairs while he is in the US Army basic training, I tried to speak to a customer service rep about a package he received from Capital First Bank. On Monday September 23, the package was received stating unless he called within 7 days he would be charged a $59.95 processing fee and a $99.95 annual fee. I called the customer service number and they refused to talk to me, even after I stated I had Power of Attorney. They also refused to let me speak to a supervisor.

On Thursday September 26, I sent a certified, return receipt letter to Capital First Bank with a copy of my power of Attorney stating that I did not authorize them to debit my son's account. Unfortunatly the $99.95 charge did hit on September 24th which overdrew the account. The $59.95 was rejected for NSF. I reviewed my son's checking account statement which showed an original charge of $29.95 on August 22, 2002. Because he is in Army basic training I am unable to talk to him, hence the Power of Attorney.

It would seem the scam starts when they get your checking account number and debit your account for the package. A "30 day free trial" begins that day but the package isn't delivered until a month later and they billed the other fees prior their own seven day review policy.

They messed with the wrong guys! I have filed papers with my son's credit union to have the charges removed as unathorized and will file legal complaints with the Florida BBB, Florida States Attorneys Office and the State of Vermont's States Attorney. Imagine....messing with one of our nations newsest soldiers!!!

Bill
Essex Junction, Vermont