Complaint Review: Essentials Gold - Citibank

For a while I had noticed a charge from Essentials Gold on the Citibank Statement. When it escalated to 12.95 from 10.95, I askd my wife what the charge was. She thought it was mine. We had recently switched the bill paying responsibilities so it was news to me.

I contacted Essentials Gold and looked at the website and I know a slam ripoff when I see one. I contacted CItibank and was told I would need to contact Essentials Gold. Essentials Gold could (would) not supply any information about how I became a "Member." Citibank would say nothing. Finally I found someone who state that there was a post card campaign and that I had been a member since 2003.

I have filed fradulent charges with Citi but reading the other issues on this list, I doubt that they will make any adjustments. I have successfully (finally) cancelled the "Membership," at least I think so.

Just as a note, during the conversations with Citi, I received three different answers to the same question, each vowing to be telling me how things worked at Citi.

Also note, that cancelling a card and changing numbers does not stop auto billing. Seems that they notify the auto bills of the new number.

Oh, I also cancelled the Citi card and was asked to speakd with a termination officer. He noted that I had been a valued customer since 1978 and they truly did not want to loose me. "What can I do?" "Refund the fradulent charges!" "I'm sorry, we do onot consider them fraulent." "Adios."

Jim
Fort Worth, Texas
U.S.A.