Complaint Review: Emerge Mastercard

I had an account with a company called Getsmart Visa. I had a rather high interest rate with them, and I found another card with a better rate, so I paid off my Visa and attempted to cancel it.

The problem was, I had been sold. My Visa card, based in New Jersey, was now a Mastercard out of Atlanta Georgia. I received a statement from the new company, stating that I had a zero balance, and they sent me the applicable cards.

I did not activate these cards at any point, but I received a bill shortly thereafter for an annual fee of $89.00. I called the number on my bill and explained my situation to a friendly customer service representative. She attempted to convince me to keep the card, but agreed that I had no responsibility to pay, and said that the card would be cancelled and I owed no money.

Two weeks later, I received a phone call at work, saying that I was late with a payment of $89.00 to Emerge Mastercard. Again I explained my situation, and again I was told that everything would be taken care of and I owed nothing.

Yesterday, I received a bill for $159.00. I have NO purchases, as is indicated on my bill. I still have my cards, inactivated and strip still attached, and they're trying to extort $159.00 from me!

I'm beginning to lose my patience. I've been nice up to this point.

Chris
Greensburg, Indiana
U.S.A.