Complaint Review: FCFHS Guardian

I was contacted by this company on my cell phone (which is also my home phone). I was told I was approved for a credit card that I had applied for in June 2003 (My wife had a medical problem at that time and our credit had suffered terribly due to lack of income and our savings was entirely gone).

I was told it was a government sponsored program specifically designed to help people in my situation, which is why it took so long to verify. I was told upfront there would be a $299 fee, which would take care of the interest for 3 years on a credit card with $2000.00. Also, in 6 months, as long as we paid our bills on time, the credit limit would be increased to $5000.

This was a god-send. We were almost back on our feet and needed about $1000 to get our cash flow where it needed to be. Normally I do not take any kind of offer over the phone, but I also have a 2 year old daughter and I really needed to make sure I could get her fed, as well as continue my wife's medical treatments so she did not have a relapse. SO...I asked a lot of questions and was told a lot of lies. I specifically asked if this was a deposit type card and was told 'no - you will have a $2000 initial credit limit by paying us $299 to cover the interest.'

I was also told I would receive the mastercard within 3 weeks of the debit from my account and that I could cancel the $299 payment up until 24 hours prior to the transaction.

I actually tried to cancel the transaction (because it would overdraw my account on the specified day - but I had overdraft protection and it would go through for an extra fee), but, starting 3 days before the transaction I could not get through on the phone lines.

About the time they said I would receive my card, I received a package with catalogs and a notice saying that I could get the mastercard by sending them $50 AND it was a secured deposit so however much I wanted the card to be in the amount for would also have to be sent to them. Needless to say I was furious (and disgusted with myself).

I immediately went through all the information and found their info to have my money returned. I was told I had to send a telegram (it HAD to be a telegram - which I could only find that service online) and I had to send the package back with a copy of the telegram in it.

I did all this...and I sent both the telegram and the package Certified mail. I was told it would take 20 business days from receipt.

I mailed this out on April 24, 2004. Around this time my wife had a relapse so I did not pursue any other avenue of recourse - I wish now I had at least gone to my bank. Today (June 15, 2004) is the first chance I have had to look back into this. I have read similar cases to mine dealing with the same company and I am definitely giving my bank a call first thing in the morning!

DO NOT EVER TRUST GUARDIAN FOR ANYTHING!!!!

I will send an update if anything comes of this...

Doug
LeRoy, Illinois
U.S.A.