Sirius XM Won't refund credit card after runing my credit score New York, Internet
I am going through a scenario where sirius charged a credit card that had been expired for 10 months. By the time I found out about it on my credit report my credit rating had dropped from a 725 to a 622. I am currently under contract buying my first home, and this low credit score is virtually making it impossible to get a home loan. First time calling sirius, they wouldnt issue a refund due to the credit card being expired, even though they charged it without having the newer expiration date, they would not issue a refund without the newer expiration.
The lady I spoke with agreed to refund the amount, but tries to sell me on receiving a check in the mail. Obviously that wont work since the charges from the credit card wouldnt be resolved and dismissed as they promised they would doallowing me to contact the 3 credit bureaus with a letter from my credit card explaining the mishap on a card where I have never missed a payment. I pay my credit card company to overnight me a new card since they cant provide the newer expiration date over the phone, and it takes 7 10 business days via snail mail.AFter paying $30 for shipping, I received the new credit card the next day and called sirius back. I first called at 8:45 AM central, right when I arrived at work. After an
hour of explaining my situation to a subordinate, she informs me that a check was already issued. I about loose it since the anxiety of not being able to resolve this credit snapfu was through the roof prior to the call. I was transferred over to a supervisor. Said supervisor said that I was to be refunded money to the credit card, and that someone from new york main office would be calling me to handle this, since they were unable to process refunds without approval from corporate head
quarters. Total time spent on the phone = 1.5 hours. Believing the man, I waited till 5 PM. No call. I called back. After
being transferred 3 times, I got another supervisor who was adamant that Newyork would call me in the next two hours. Sure enoughno call. Total time on phone = 1 hour. In addition, the supervisor provided me with a case number, and I wrote it down. He also promised to watch the case to insure it was handled and resolved.
Today, I waited till 3 PM to call, and was told that there were no notes on the account related to the case number provided. I about had a heart attack. I explained the situation, and was put on hold for half an hour. The supervisor got on the phone, and was able to locate the notes on the file. He again offered to provide a check, and when I declined, he informed me that it may take up to 10 days for someone in New York to get in touch with me. Time on phone = 1.5 hours
For real, I have 5 k in earnest money down on my first home. I have 3 weeks to secure a home loan and really have no idea what to do if sirius doesnt refund my credit card so I can clear my name with the three credit bureaus. This is affecting my well being as well as my mental stability. And I thought the hard part was finding a decent home to want to move into that wasn't way over valued by the owner. This has been the most absurd thing I have ever had to deal with, and I wish they would stop lying and refund me the funds as they have promised repeatedly.
5 Updates & Rebuttals
Southern Chemical and Equipment LLC
Sarasota,Florida,
USA
Simply does not make sense. Much more to the story here!
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, March 01, 2012
After thinking some more on this, the original poster's story simply does not make sense.
None at all. Much more to the story for sure.
There is no way that in itself, the charging of an expired credit card could cause a credit score drop of nearly 100 points. That is not possible.
Too much important information has been left out here.
For example, the OP stated the credit card was expired, BUT was the account still open or was it closed??
If the account was still open, the OP would surely have been getting monthly statements, right??
So, why did not the OP see these monthly charges on the statement??
What I see here is that the OP decided to cancel the Sirius subscription and had difficulty in getting that accomplished, so he closed the credit card account that it was being charged to. Now, that action could have caused a near 100 point score drop on the credit report as closing a seasoned account will do that.
Other that that possible scenario, none of the original story makes a bit of sense as it is not possible.
Furthermore, as long as you have good credit and still qualify for the credit card in question, renewal is automatic. The only things that change are the expiration date and the 3 digit security code on the back.
I have never been able to process a charge against an expired credit card. It simply is not possible from my experience.
Like I said, MUCH more to the story here!
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
Have to agree...
#6Consumer Comment
Thu, March 01, 2012
If it is not legal to charge an expired credit card...then the only other thing Sirius could have done to effect your credit rating is report the default in payment to the credit bureaus which in all logic would bring your credit score down.
Wild Karde
Illinois,United States of America
Refund was promised repeatedly
#6Author of original report
Wed, February 29, 2012
I hear ya. I have spent close to 6 hours already on the phone, and each time I get promised a refund, but that they are unable to process the refund them self. Every one I talk to is well aware of the situation and what is at stake, but it seems to me that there is a lack of care / coordination from Sirius XM corporate. I have faxed, emailed, and called over to the corporate number and have not heard anything as of yet.
Southern Chemical and Equipment LLC
Sarasota,Florida,
USA
Tom, you need to focus here, and not mix issues.
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, February 29, 2012
Tom,
You are getting way too stressed out over what is really a non-issue.
You are mixing the issues, and the required courses of actions.
I used to be in the mortgage industry, and can tell you a few things.
1. If there is a legitimate problem on your credit report, you can simply submit a signed affidavit describing the issue along with any documentation to back it up to your lender. This will allow an "exception" to be made by the underwriter and not count that item against you.
**NOTE** You are missing the real problem here. Your credit score will not magically increase after this is done. It will take AT LEAST 90 days to be fully reported and get you re-scored. It could take 5-6 months, in reality. Understand that, and be ready for it. Fixing this issue will not immediately raise your score, or help you with your current home purchase.'
2. Stay off the phone altogether with creditors and credit bureaus. You really need to create a paper trail in case you need to take legal action. Communicate only in writing and only via certified mail, return reciept requested. Put the certified# in the body of each letter and keep a copy for your records.
3. Expired credit cards cannot legally be charged. When that card expires, it is invalid. You never stated at to whether or not you had a current contractual obligation with Sirius that would have allowed the continued charging to your credit card.
In any case, you need to send written dispute by the means above to both your card issuer and Sirius and dispute the charges on that expired card altogether.
Do you not look at your credit card statements?
Does Sirius not have your billing info and personal contact info?? No letters or phone calls?
I find this highly unusual, and feel there is more to this story.
4. You earnest money is perfectly safe, and is fully refundable, by law, if you do not get the financing for your home. No reason to stress over that.
5. Send the same dispute to each credit bureau by the means above, and keep it short and sweet. Simply state that the charges were unauthorized as the card in question was expired. That's it. This is a real important step to take to get the fastest results in getting your credit score fixed. YOU MUST DO THIS IF YOU WANT RESULTS. Not optional. DO THIS TODAY!!!!!
In the mean time, chill out. You are getting way too stressed out for no reason at all. The people involved in the sale of the home to you and the people processing your mortgage most likely don't get paid unless the deal gets done, so it is in their best interest to make it work.
RELAX!!
Ronny g
North hollywood,California,
USA
I hope they work with you to remedy this...
#6Consumer Comment
Wed, February 29, 2012
...but if they charged your credit card regardless of how long it has been expired (that may be the only credit card they had of yours on file) that may mean you did not properly cancel the subscription. Since they make their money based on subscriptions they are not going to cancel it for you and of course in a feeble attempt to survive as a business will try to collect the fees for said subscription.
One hurdle you face is customer service is outsourced to lord knows where and well...let's just say I would highly suggest you keep calling and demanding to speak to supervisors until you get someone who can clearly explain where you stand in this situation regardless if it takes hours or weeks.