- Report: #235616
Complaint Review: HSBC Orchard Bank - Salinas California
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HSBC Orchard Bank
Salinas, CA Salinas, 93912-0064 California, U.S.A.
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HSBC, Orchard Bank LEADERS IN CREDIT CARD PREDATORY LENDING Salinas California
DATE: 10 / 2005 my house of 6 years was in the first stage of foreclosure due to a loss of employment. Needless to say all my credit cards (now in default) were not extending me any credit. Before being laid off my credit rating was AAA. But I digress, this application for a credit card comes in the mail, I thought wow so I called in and was accepted. The card came in the mail and I thought I should take it out for a spin. This particular card had a $300 limit which I was fully aware of. With a few purchases I was very careful not to exceed it.
My bill comes in the mail for $275 just like I thought, that's what I owed. I sent the payment IN FULL seven days after it came. The next months bill was quite a surprise, Orchard Bank said my payment was late so..I owed them $40 for a late fee, but, because of the late fee, I was over the $300 limit so I owe an extra $40 for going over the limit! At this point in my credit crisis I was in no condition to fight them. I paid the amount due, on time and in full. I never heard from them again, I thought because I sold the house and moved, had a P.O. Box for a few months, and basically knew they are predatory lenders (and I became the prey) I kept the card in my wallet thinking I was in good standings and might need it for renting a car or something. The story should end here but doesn't.
DATE: 2 / 2007 not using the card since my fleecing and now employed I stupidly tried to use it for some ink cartridges and was told there was a problem and to contact Orchard Bank, I did. They told me my account had JUST gone to collections due to default. I was asked if I would like to pay now. How much I asked? $512 was the reply. I said there was a mistake that I paid in full etc, I asked for history on the account they told me call collections, they didn't have the records. I call collections, they wanted to set up a payment plan, I again asked for the history and they told me to call the card company for that they were collections! This began the circle of HELL, after 9 calls, 5 disconnections, being put on permanent hold (I even got a person to connect me to a recording, telling me the office hours, and to call back then, GOOD BYE. disconnected again, after 3 more calls, I got a P.O. Box to send a written dispute. Through this whole debacle I kept my cool. I offered all information an asked for the same, I was given none. I even said show me where I owe the money and I'll pay, still nothing, I just owe. I could write a book. There aught to be a law, or at least a way to fight these pirates! So..here I sit. I'm ready to fight, is anyone out there?
P.S. This is the condensed version.
Ken
CHICAGO, Illinois
U.S.A.
My bill comes in the mail for $275 just like I thought, that's what I owed. I sent the payment IN FULL seven days after it came. The next months bill was quite a surprise, Orchard Bank said my payment was late so..I owed them $40 for a late fee, but, because of the late fee, I was over the $300 limit so I owe an extra $40 for going over the limit! At this point in my credit crisis I was in no condition to fight them. I paid the amount due, on time and in full. I never heard from them again, I thought because I sold the house and moved, had a P.O. Box for a few months, and basically knew they are predatory lenders (and I became the prey) I kept the card in my wallet thinking I was in good standings and might need it for renting a car or something. The story should end here but doesn't.
DATE: 2 / 2007 not using the card since my fleecing and now employed I stupidly tried to use it for some ink cartridges and was told there was a problem and to contact Orchard Bank, I did. They told me my account had JUST gone to collections due to default. I was asked if I would like to pay now. How much I asked? $512 was the reply. I said there was a mistake that I paid in full etc, I asked for history on the account they told me call collections, they didn't have the records. I call collections, they wanted to set up a payment plan, I again asked for the history and they told me to call the card company for that they were collections! This began the circle of HELL, after 9 calls, 5 disconnections, being put on permanent hold (I even got a person to connect me to a recording, telling me the office hours, and to call back then, GOOD BYE. disconnected again, after 3 more calls, I got a P.O. Box to send a written dispute. Through this whole debacle I kept my cool. I offered all information an asked for the same, I was given none. I even said show me where I owe the money and I'll pay, still nothing, I just owe. I could write a book. There aught to be a law, or at least a way to fight these pirates! So..here I sit. I'm ready to fight, is anyone out there?
P.S. This is the condensed version.
Ken
CHICAGO, Illinois
U.S.A.
2 Updates & Rebuttals
Rachel
Williamson,New York,
U.S.A.
Know your rights!
#2Consumer Suggestion
Mon, May 19, 2008
This is a suggestion that will help you and help clear your credit report. You have rights and credit cards are a predatory lender. First the moment you dispute a charge it goes to collection. As long as you continue to dispute the charge it cannot be held against you BUT you must send a letter to the collection agency stating you dispute the charges and you were not at fault. Look up the statute of limitations for debt in your state. After so many years, you cannot be sued for the debt. You have rights under the debt collection act. Don't let these guys push you around. Credit card debt is an unsecured debt and IMO one of the reasons why America has suffered in recessions. Every debt that is disputed via letter cannot go against you on your credit report. Get your report...it's law for you to get your report free every so many years. Inform the institute the debt is disputed and it can be taken off...not sure what the institute might require though. The first credit card was issued in the late 1950's. Prior to the late 50's there was no credit card debt and as a nation...we were better off.
Karen
Wilkes Barre,Pennsylvania,
U.S.A.
I was ripped off too and I'm fighting back!
#3Consumer Suggestion
Tue, February 13, 2007
I know how you feel about being taken by these people. I have signed up to be part of a class action suit against them. They've pulled enough with me and countless other people. Not all of us are deadbeat bill payers. I like you lost 2 jobs a year apart due to downsizing which resulted in my credit suffering terribly. There is a website where you can file a complaint and be included on class action suits. Hope this info helps. sorry, allowing you to give a competitors name would instigate others to just file against their competition, to only come back later to suggest their company your comments on this policy are welcome! CLICK here to see why Rip-off Report, as a matter of policy, deleted either a phone number, link or e-mail address from this Report.
